HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0667.001 2004-2006 February 13, 2006
TESTIMONY -COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS & INTERGOVERNMENTAL
RELATIONS -Resolution 255-06 (Communication 667)
La'aloa Street Extension
Submitted by:
Robert Ward
77-6526 Ho'olaupa'i St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns. I regret that I can't be
here in person, but I decided to spend Valentines Day with my wife and
celebrate my Mom's 90th year instead. I offer this testimony based on my
education and background in transportation engineering and planning, my
support for enhancing pedestrian and cycling activities and as a
neighborhood resident. While I serve on the County Transportation
Commission, Kona Traffic Safety Committee, and Keauhou View Estates
Design Review Committee, my views do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of these groups.
I believe that the County will best meet the needs of its residents and
guests by expediting the completion of a road network in the makai section
between Kona between Kailua and Keauhou. This should include:
A. Prosecuting the additional work necessary to complete the La'aloa
Corridor Environmental Assessment (EA) and proceed to issue a
Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
B. Expeditiously reviewing all of the pertinent factors and selecting the
optimum route for the safest and most efficient mauka-makai connector
in the La'aloa Corridor.
C. Proceeding with a DesignlBuild contract that incorporates the County
standards for collector roads.
D. Immediately begin the needed improvements to lower La'aloa (that are
not subject to an EA) including: (a) sidewalks, (b) paved surface for
bicycles, (c) drainage fixtures, and (d) removal of overhead utilities (that
could render the route useless as an evacuation route).
E, Immediately undertake improvements to the intersection at Ali'i Drive,
such as an "offset T" intersection that will improve sight lines, and
enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists and vehicles.
CoMm. a. 7.
Ref. Tot W
kef, ante
F. Integrate needed traffic calming features into the design. These could
include:
1. Supplemental signage such as additional Regulatory Signs like
Speed Limit, and Warning Signs like Use Low Gear, and Strong
Yellow-Green Pedestrian signs with retroreflective signposts.
2. Traffic Calming Features that will not impede the safe flow of
traffic. This may include small traffic circles, chokers, short
center medians, or a Center-Pede (short combination of
staggered chokers and center median), but not speed humps
3. Flexible retroreflective bollards in combination with Traffic
Calming Features to influence driver behavior to reduce speed.
4. Inducement striping. Using 10-foot travel lanes, wide edge lines
and 5-foot bike lanes on each side of the street would strongly
impact driver behavior to maintain a safe speed.
5. Compact urban roundabout at the intersection of Ali'i Parkway
and La'aloa.
6. Electronic wayside speed recorders with integrated data
transmission to assist Police enforcement of speeding violations.
G. Incorporate features that eliminate adverse impacts that could occur
during an emergency. It is absolutely imperative that full functionality of
the roadway be maintained when the need for an evacuation occurs.
This could include:
1. Elimination of all overhead power lines is a vital need for any
emergency evacuation route. A single downed line could render the
road impassible.
2. Elimination of all utility poles is also a vital element for any potential
emergency evacuation route. A single downed pole could completely
obstruct the road and render it useless at a time when it is needed
most.
3. Consider reevaluating the standards for street lighting. A downed
high level mast will obstruct the road. Newer technology with LED
lighting can use shorter and less expensive masts that will conform
to "dark skies" requirements while providing an illumination pattern
that is more favorable to pedestrians and cyclists.
We will also need to put Ali'i Parkway back on track. If this project is the
number one priority in West Hawaii, then we must treat it that way. We have
invested time and money for planning, designing and purchasing right-of-way.
The need for an alternative route to Ali'i Drive for commuting, recreation and
emergency use increases every month. The costs to complete the project are
also increasing every month. (In fact, if we see only a 15 percent annual spike
in construction inflation, the cost goes up $800,000 for every month the
project is delayed!)
Thank you for your consideration.
Robert Ward