HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0304.007 2002-2004 M1C1 [Alit J. MATSUKAWA
i'irst Ofi]ce Box 600
Kealakekua, Ilawaii 96750
l'elephone 3239-1385
Mr. Joseph Reynolds
County Council
County of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Re: Bill No. 133, Relocation of Crosswalk
Near Central Kona Union Church
(Kona Meeting, September ]7, 2003)
Dear Councilman Reynolds:
Ann Peterson's letter summarizes the situation quite well. As one of the
members of Central Kona Union Church I support the relocation of the
crosswalk in question provided that the following factors are also resolved
concurrently:
1. Driver-associated factors (under County control)
Improved signage and distinctive lighting
2. Physical location of the crosswalk (under County control)
Relocation of mid-block crosswalk (built on a crown)
3. Pedestrian Usage( under County/Landowner control)
Reduction of volume of pedestrian usage
A solution for the safety hazard presented is (1) to control traffic speed
(and driver education) by installing distinctive lighting, (2) to relocate the
crosswalk south to the new intersection and (3) to reduce the volume of
pedestrian usage.
A change in one factor alone (such as the crosswalk's location) will not
reduce the safety hazard. For example, relocation of the crosswalk, without
more, may only "invite" or cause people to jay walk at points that pedestrians
believe are more convenient, though not necessarily safe, and will not reduce
traffic speed or volume.
As a landowner whose members and visitors use the crosswalk frequently,
Central Kona Union Church is taking responsible steps to control traffic speed
and to reduce pedestrian usage of the crosswalk. For example, on days of
Comm. No.
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worship and special events, the church sets out traffic cones, uses temporary
signs and crossing guards. Even then, incidents of speeding and inattentive
drivers abound.
In addition, the church recently purchased a parcel of land behind the
sanctuary (makai of Mamalahoa Highway) and plans to use the same for parking.
This will reduce the number of people who use the crosswalk. Further, the
church hopes to obtain a shared parking agreement with its adjoining landowner
(the Kealakekua public library). Unfortunately, past discussions with the library
administrators have not been successful.
Closing
Public safety requires athree-part solution, all three of which should be
put in place at the same time. First, distinctive lighting (preferably overhead
flashing light) should be installed. Second, the crosswalk should be relocated.
Third, the church should complete its parking tot plans for areas makai of
Mamalahoa Highway.
Thus, the County Council should adopt Bill 133, but with an effective date
that is triggered when distinctive lighting is installed and when Central Kona
Union Church completes its parking plans on the makai side of Mamalahoa
Highway. Thank you very much.
Yours truly,
Michaei J. Matsukawa
c: Casey Yanagihara
Traffic Division, DPW
Ann Peterson, Kona Traffic
Safety Committee