HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0506.003 1996-1998 MTV or y,
Stephen K. Yamashiro ~~Is Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki
Mayor Chief Engmeer
Jiro A. Sumada
•~j•°:t{4~ Depufy Chief Engmeer
1}E oi•H~d
~IIl[1'[~'~1 II~ ~MitT2lit r '
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS n
`~C1 c~
25 Aupuni Street, Room 202 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 -
(808) 961-8321 Fax (808) 961-8630
M
October 28, 1997 - '
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCII,
HAWAII COUNTY BUILDING
HILO HI 96720
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC CODE AMENDMENT WAIANUENUE AVENUE -COMPRESSION OF
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC PATTERN, KOMOHANA STREET TO LAIMANA STREET
This is in response to the October 15, 1997 letter from the Chief of Police to the County Council
regarding the subject matter.
Present Channelized Lanes and Striping
The existing markings on Waianuenue Avenue between Komohana Street and Kamehameha Avenue are
for traffic flow on Waianuenue Avenue during its normal two-way operation. Since [he markings are not
adjusted for one-way traffic, these markings would be confusing during the 45-minute one-way school
traffic. These markings also do not conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) for none-way traffic flow.
The proposed two-way experimental project was mean[ to eliminate confusion and test Waianuenue
Avenue under a normal two-way traffic pattern during school traffic. Since the two-way plan is now a
moot issue and a permanent one-way seems impractical, we feel that the compression is the best solution
to contain the existing traffic patterns to a smaller, more manageable section of Waianuenue Avenue.
The compressed one-way pattern between Komohana Street and Laimana Street will still, however, not
be in conformance with the MUTCD.
No Parking signs on Waianuenue
The no-parking signs on the Puna side of Waianuenue Avenue fronting Hilo Intermediate School were
posted because the parking stalls along this section were eliminated. The amendment for this parking
prohibition was included as part of the compression amendment (Bill 145). a ~~~0~ -
)x10. 7
tn~ ><n.. ~fRF
IRot. 1>,rrz_,_,OCT,3-0 1997,,,
Honorable Chairman and Members
Page 2
October 28, 1997
Funneling of Traffic—Intersection of Laimana Street and Waianuenue Avenue
We do not feel that the"funneling" of traffic at the intersection of Laimana Street and Waianuenue
Avenue is a significant problem. The Traffic Division will be barricading the mauka bound lane of
Waianuenue Avenue at Laimana Street during the one-way period to prevent vehicles from proceeding
the wrong way at this transition point. Appropriate temporary warning signs will also be installed during
the one-way period. Police presence may be needed to cite violators.
Anticipated Increase of Vehicular Traffic
Vehicular traffic on Laimana Street will probably increase because of the compression. Traffic volumes
on Haili Street should be no worse than it is under the current traffic patterns and may decrease since
motorists will be able to proceed mauka on Waianuenue Avenue between Kamehameha Avenue and
Laimana Street. If mauka-bound motorists on Waianuenue Avenue have trouble in making left turns,
they can use Haili Street, as they must during the existing one-way period.
Our reasons for initiating the change are due to confusion that motorists experience during the one-way
period, complaints of motorist going the wrong way during the one-way period, non-conformity with the
MUTCD, and the potential for litigation because of the non-conformity.
Please feel free to call Richard Nishimura at 961-8341 if you have any questions or comments.
, "PA
•
DONNA FAY K. KIYOSAKI, P.E.
Chief Engineer
RN
cc: Stephen K. Yamashiro, Mayor
Wayne G. Carvalho, Police Chief
Richard D. Wurdeman, Corporation Counsel
Traffic Division