HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0306.000 2004-2006 ~~v or N'`4'i
r¢'•cC
Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu
Ma or , • Managing Director
Y ,
•
~'+r;•;;•N,+ Peter L. Hendricks
Deputy Managing Director
.I
~uuutp ~f'a~aiti'
25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-452 • (808) 961-821 I Pax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suita"iR3?• Keilua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 329-5226 Faz (808) 326-5663
June 13, 2005
The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairperson, and
Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Status Report on Road Projects -West Hawaii
Dear Chairperson Higa and Councilmembers:
Attached is a status report on major West Hawaii road projects the County of Hawaii is
working on at the present time. Last year, the Council authorized the issuance of $47 million
in bonds dedicated to road projects. Of this amount, $23 million was set aside for Kona, and
the projects to be funded were itemized in the current (FY2004-OS) Capital Budget.
Of the $47 million authorized, $30 million in bonds was sold last summer. Because of the
need to expend bond funds within a short time, the remainder of the amount authorized will be
sold when the funds are needed. There is a great deal of preliminary work that must be done
before a road can be built, so if a new road is planned, it can be several years before
construction can begin. Timing the sale of the bonds to when the funds aze needed eliminates
possible problems with arbitrage and other federal requirements when bond funds are not used
promptly.
The attached report includes projects funded with this 2004 Series A bond issue, as well as
other ongoing projects with other funding sources that are expected to help alleviate some of
the traffic problems in Kona. From this report, you can see that the County is working on
projects within its area of jurisdiction to provide relief in the short term as well as long term.
In addition to the projects listed on the attachment, the County is exploring the construction of
a road connection between Palani Road and Kealakehe Parkway with the Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands. The extension of Keanalehu and Manawalea Streets is part of the
master plan for the Villages of Lai`opua, and would normally be constructed by DHHL as
their villages aze built out in the future. The County is proposing to construct this road
connection now, with an MOA to provide for future reimbursement from DHHL as their
development progresses. This connection would provide a sorely needed alternate route for
times when Palani Road is blocked, and provide vehicular access from Palani to Kealakehe
High School as well as from Lai`opua to Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate schools. As
the discussion progresses, a request for a capital project appropriation will be submitted to the
County Council. Comm. No.~~
Ref. To: w
Ref. Uate
Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
June 13, 2005
The Honorable Stacy Higa and Councilmembers
Page 2
I welcome your comments and questions on the attached status report, and commit that we
will keep you informed so that you can shaze this information with your constituents.
Aloha J
Harry Ki
MAYOR
Attachment
cc: Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works
Christopher Yuen, Planning Director
Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel
William Takaba, Finance Director
Status of Kona Road Projects
Status of Kona Road Projects
6/8/2005
Other
Recap of projects: 2004 Series A Countv Federal Private
Traffic mitigation:
1 Right turn lane on Kaiminani to Mamalahoa Hwy $ 400,000
2 Right turn lane on Hina Lani to Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy 100,000
3 Traffic signal at Hina Lani/Mamalahoa Hwy 300,000
4 Right turn lane on Kaiminani to Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy -
5 Left turn pocket at Palani Junction/Mamalahoa Hwy 1,000,000
6 Left turn pocket at Palani to Kamakaeha 1,000,000
7 Kuakini Highway, Hualalai Road to Ali'i Parkway 1,000,000 4,000,000
8 Bike and pedestrian improvements in Kona 320,000
9 Palani Road safety improvements at Kealakaa Street 1,000,000 4,000,000
Connector roads:
10 Connector roads at Kalaoa 500,000
11 La'aloa Extension to Kuakini 3,600,000
12 Kuakini Highway, Alii Drive connector at Puaa 1,500,000
13 La'aloa emergency access road X
14 Lako Street extension from Alii Drive 5,000,000
15 Lako Street mauka connection X
Improvements to north-south traffic flow:
16 Mamalahoa Hwy Improvements, Honalo to Capt Cook 4,400,000
17 Kamanu Street Extension to Kealakehe Parkway 3,000,000
18 Alii Parkway Southern Phase 8,800,000 32,000,000
19 Mamalahoa Highway Bypass (Hokulia Bypass) X
TRAFFIC MITIGATION
1 Right turn lane on Kaiminani at Mamalahoa Highwav
Install right turn lane on Kaiminani onto Mamalahoa Highway. Improvements will be contained within the
existing county/state rights-of-way.
The right turn lane will increase the traffic capacity at Kaiminani intersection at Mamalahoa Highway.
This will improve the overall flow of traffic in the area.
Status: Design was done in-house by the Engineering Division. Approval of plans was received from State
Highways on 5/16/05. Plans have also been sent to DWS for review. Relocation request was
sent to HELCO and Oceanic Cable on 4/13/05. Still waiting for word from the utilities as of 6/8/05.
2 Right turn lane on Hina Lani at Queen Ka'ahumanu Highwav
Install a right turn lane on Hina Lani at Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. Improvements will be contained within
the existing county/state rights-of-way.
The right turn lane will increase the traffic capacity at Hina Lani and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway
intersection, and improve the overall flow of traffic in the area.
Status: Design was done in-house by the Engineering Division, and has been reviewed and approved by
State Highways. Notice to Bidders was published 5/27/05, with bid opening 6/23/05.
6/8/05
Status of Kona Road Projects
3 Traffic signal at Hina LanilMamalahoa Highwav
Install a traffic signal at the Hina Lani/Mamalahoa Highway intersection. Improvements will be contained
within the existing countylstate rights-of-way.
The traffic signal system will reduce traffic congestion at the Hina Lani intersection with Mamalahoa
Highway, and improve the overall flow of traffic in the area.
Status: Design was done in-house by the Engineering Division. Plans have been approved by State Highways.
Signal warrant study was sent to State Highways on 4/29/05 for review. Verbal approval received from
SDOT 5/26/05. Notice to Bidders will be published 6112/05, with bid opening 7/14/05.
4 Riaht turn lane on Kaiminani to Queen Ka'ahumanu Highwav
Install a right turn lane on Kaiminani onto Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.
The right tum lane will increase the traffic capacity at Kaiminani and Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, improving
the overall flow of traffic in the area.
Status: Design was completed by Engineering Division. Permission has been obtained from State Highways
to work within their right-of-way. Paving work has been completed by County Highways Division.
Striping will be done by County Traffic Division, and should be completed by 6/15/05.
5 Left turn pocket at Palani Junction/Mamalahoa Highwav (Route 190 into Route 180)
Design and construct a left turn pocket at the top of Palani Road where it meets Mamalahoa Highway.
This project is to provide capacity improvements to allow makai-bound traffic to flow more efficiently through this
intersection. State DOT design requirements will be followed for improvements within the SDOTjurisdiction.
Work will include roadway widening, asphalt concrete paving, roadside drainage improvements and
pavement signing and striping.
This will improve the movement of traffic through the Route 190/Route 180 intersection.
Status: Construction plans were completed by Engineering Division and were submitted to State Highways for
review. State comments received 5/4/05. Relocation request was sent to Verizon and Oceanic Cable
on 4/26/05. Also, construction right-of-entry sent to Palani Ranch for approval on 4/26/05, and the
construction right-of-way document was signed 5/16/05. Design to be finalized July 2005, with
construction slated to begin August 2005.
6 Left turn pocket on Palani Road into Kamakaeha Street
Design and construct left turn pocket on Palani Road to channel traffic going mauka and turning left into
Kamakaeha Street. Work will include roadway widening, asphalt concrete paving, roadside drainage
improvements, retaining walls, guardrails and pavement signing and striping.
This will improve the movement of traffic through the Palani Road/Kamakaeha Street intersection.
Status: Construction plans were completed by Engineering Division and were submitted to State Highways
for review. State approval received 5I24I05. Relocation plans sent to Verizon, HELCO and Oceanic
Cable on 4/13/05. Construction plans sent to DWS for second review on 4/13/05. Awaiting HELCO's
design to relocate about four utility poles. Design to be finalized in July 2005. Project will go
out to bid after approvals received. Construction should commence August 2005 and be
completed August 2006.
7 Kuakini Highwav improvements Hualalai Road to Ali'i Parkwav
This project will extend existing four-lane improvements 1.5 miles from Hualalai Road to the new Ali'i Parkway
to accommodate the future traffic generated by the Parkway. Work will include roadway widening, asphalt
concrete paving, roadside drainage improvements, grade adjustment/retaining walls, relocation
of utilities and pavement signing and striping. The initial merge lane planned with current Kuakini
improvements was not adequate. By extending the project limits and following FHWA/HDOT
requirements, County can take advantage of federal aid. The proposed improvements will also be
necessary when the Ali'i Parkway reaches Kuakini.
This will improve traffic circulation and accommodate the traffic generated by Alii Parkway.
Status: Planning consultant has been selected to prepare EA, and contract is being circulated for signatures.
6/8/05
Status of Kona Road Projects
8 Bike and pedestrian improvements in Kona
Study, design, and construct improvements to encourage increased bicycle and pedestrian travel within
"bike shed" zone that is topographically suitable for ordinary users.
Safe bicycle and pedestrian routes within or separate from road rights-of--way will divert some
vehicular travel to non-vehicular modes to alleviate some traffic.
Status: Pending
9 Palani Road safety improvements at Kealakaa Street
Realign the eastern terminus of Kealakaa Street to intersect Palani Road at Paliohiolo Street to form a new
intersection, which would entail the following improvements: a fully signalized system with left turn pockets,
construct a new 700-foot road segment of Kealakaa Street, construction of concrete curblgutters/sidewalks,
retaining walls and guardrails, drainage improvements, utility relocation, roadway signing and striping, and
necessary land acquisition.
To improve vehicular and pedestrian access and safety for users of this high-traffic intersection.
Status: Environmental work being completed. Draft EA was published by OEOC on June 8, 2005. Public
comment period ends July 7, 2005. Right-of-way acquisition is under way and expected to be
completed by end of July 2005. Construction planned to begin January 2006 with
completion by end of December 2006.
CONNECTOR ROADS
10 Connector roads at Kalaoa
Acquire private road rights-of-way, and construct roads if necessary, to complete road links between
Kona CoastviewlWonderview Subdivisions and Kaiminani Street (Kona Palisades Subdivision.)
Residents of both Kona Coastview and Wonderview Subdivisions have requested these direct connections
to alleviate traffic congestion on the upper Mamalahoa Highway between these two subdivisions
and reduce travel time and inconvenience.
These roads will provide new road connections and improve traffic circulation in this area of Kona.
Status: Nana-Holoholo connection: The connecting road is completed and was opened to traffic on 4/20/05.
Ahi'ahi-Kauhale connection: The fair market value appraisal report is complete. Updated title search
will follow. Res 83-05, authorizing acquisition of property by eminent domain, passed final
reading 6/1/05. Corporation Counsel will begin condemnation proceedings. Subdivision application
to create road in second parcel was sent to Planning on 6/8/05. When complete, Highways
Division will construct a roadway.
Holu-Ke'oke'o connection: The fair market value appraisal report is complete. Updated title search
will follow. Res 84-05, authorizing acquisition of property by eminent domain, passed final
final reading 611/05. Corporation Counsel will begin condemnation proceedings.
Ili'ili-Kiekie connection: Appraisal report is in progress. Title search and eminent domain resolution
will follow.
11 La'aloa Extension to Kuakini
Design, acquire right-of-way and construct approximately 1,400 feet of new 60-foot wide road to extend La'aloa
Street from its present terminus to Kuakini Highway. Design and survey is being provided by a private
developer.
This will provide a new mauka to makai connector from Alii Drive to Kuakini Highway to improve traffic circulation
and provide an alternate route in case of emergency.
Status: Consultant is working on necessary environmental work (EA). Draft EA to be submitted
by 6/8/05, and published in the OEOC Bulletin on 7/8/05. When EA completed, design and land
acquisition will follow. Construction anticipated to commence in the middle of 2006 and be
completed by mid-2007.
6/8/05
Status of Kona Road Projects
12 Kuakini Highway Alii Drive connector at Puaa
Design, acquire right-of-way and construct approximately 600 feet of new 60-foot wide road to establish a new
collector road between Alii Drive in the vicinity of Oneo Bay to the County owned portion of the Kuakini Highway.
Work will include curbs, gutters and sidewalks, roadside drainage improvements, street lights and necessary
intersection improvements at both Ali'i Drive and Kuakini Highway.
This would provide a new mauka-makai connector from Alii Drive to Kuakini Highway to improve traffic circulation
in this area of Kona.
Status: Feasibility of project being reviewed. May involve significant archaeological issues.
13 La'aloa emeroencv access road
Private road connecting the end of La'aloa Street to Kuakini Highway. The road will be gated with keys
given to emergency responders so road can be used in emergencies. This is a temporary measure until
the permanent La'aloa Extension is completed.
This provides an emergency route mauka from Alii Drive.
Status: Road is completed, and keys have been provided to police, highways and fire.
14 Lako Street extension from Alii Drive
Extend existing Lako Street from its makai terminus (Lutheran Church) to Ali'i Drive.
This will provide a new mauka-makai connector from Alii Drive to Kuakini Highway to improve traffic circulation in
this area of Kona. This will be especially needed when southern phase of Alii Parkway is complete.
Status: A lawsuit has been filed in court to challenge the adequacy of the EA and to require an EIS.
Corporation Counsel has met with the attorney who filed the suit, and it is believed that a satisfactory
settlement can be reached to allow the project to move ahead.
15 Lako Street mauka connection
This developer-funded project will connect lolani Subdivision to Kona Vista Subdivision, and provide
a connector road between Kuakini Highway and Hualalai Road.
This will complete the Lako Street connection from Kuakini to Hualalai.
Status: Groundbreaking for this road was held on June 2, 2005. Completion projected for first quarter of
2006
IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTH-SOUTH TRAFFIC FLOW
16 Mamalahoa Hwy Improvements Honalo to Caot Cook
Provide access management improvements at various locations at Honalo, Kainaliu, Kealakekua and
Captain Cook Villages to improve traffic flow. Land acquisition may be required at various locations where
there is insufficient right-of-way. Working groups have been established in each affected community to
discuss sensitive traffic issues before implementing or constructing improvements. This is a very old
roadway with numerous private encroachments and obstructions, with narrow rights-of-way.
This is an effort to improve the severe traffic flow problems in South Kona.
Status: Working group meetings have been held with the respective communities and Kona Traffic Safety
Committee representatives. A public informational meeting was held on May 12, 2005, at Konawaena
Elementary School cafeteria, with about 50 people in attendance. A meeting was held with the
Kealakekua working group to introduce traffic options under consideration. The next step is to meet
with the Kealakekua merchants in mid-July. A separate report on the various parts of this project
will be submitted to the Council.
6/8/05
Status of Kona Road Projects
17 Kamanu Street Extension to Kealakehe Parkway
Design, acquire right-of-way and construct approximately 2,700 feet of new 60-foot wide road to establish
a new major collector road between Hina Lani Street and Kealakehe Parkway, parallel to Queen Ka'ahumanu
Highway. Work will include paved shoulders and swales, roadside drainage improvements, street lights.
This new north-south road parallel to Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway will decrease traffic on the Highway and
improve traffic circulation in this area of Kona.
Status: Developer is presently doing the planning for the road. Archaeological issues will need to be cleared
prior to starting design. Construction projected to begin the middle of 2006 and take one year to complete.
18 Alii Parkway Southern Phase
Design, acquire right-of-way and construct approximately 2.4 miles of new road from Keauhou to Lako Street.
This is the first phase of a new road that will eventually run from Keauhou to Kuakini Highway, alleviating
north-south traffic.
Status: Work on this roadway halted last summer when the Hawaii Island Burial Council refused to
allow the County to relocate a burial found to be in the path of the road. (Prior permission
had been granted to relocate two of 21 known burials, but the Burial Council refused to allow
a third relocation.) County is presently working on redesigning the road around this burial site
and coordinating closely with SDOT and FHWA to try to ensure that the 80% federal matching funds
will be available when needed. We are planning to place this project on the STIP for next year.
19 Mamalahoa Highway Bvoass (Hokulia evoassl
Design, acquire right-of-way and construct approximately 5.5 miles of new road from the Napoopoo Junction
to Keauhou. (3.5 miles, Kealopapa to Halekii; 2.0 miles Napoopoo)
This bypass will connect with the Alii Parkway and relieve the traffic congestion on Mamalahoa Highway
through Honalo, Kainaliu, Kealakekua and Captain Cook.
Status: Work on this roadway halted in September 2003 when the Third Circuit Court issued an
injunction against any further construction work within the Hokulia boundaries. The northern
phase of the road is nearly complete, with only the intersection with Halekii Street to be
completed. There is a burial at this intersection that impacts the road, and treatment must be
resolved. The County is committed to getting this road finished, and is exploring all
options to do that. In the meantime, emergency responders are allowed by Hokulia to utilize the
completed part of the highway.
6/8/05