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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.001 2004-2006 SidneyFuke, Planning Consultant 100 Pauahi Streel, Suite 212 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Planning • Variance • Zoning Telephone: (806) 969-1522 • Fax: (608) 969-7996 • Subdivision • Land Use Permits E-mail: sidfuke@verizon.net • Environmental Reports March 6, 2006 , , Honorable Stacy Higa, Chair and Members of the Council HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Honorable Higa and members of the Council: Snbject: Bill No. 219 -Janice Oshiro TMK: 2-2-28: 30.32, 33 In recommending its approval of the subject bill, some members of the Council Planning Committee raised questions regarding vehicular movements in and out of the subject site and wanted to know of the applicant's (Ms. Oshiro) position on this matter. I have since had the opportunity to discuss it with the applicant and would like to share her position with you. While the applicant understands the concerns, she would prefer that that there be no condition relating to vehicular restrictions in and out of the subject property. In so doing, she would appreciate your taking the following into consideration: a. At this point along Kinoole Street, the sight distance is very good, as the road is fairly straight. As such, visibility in and out of the property should not be impaired. Although the existing driveway connection is rather narrow and has a low rock wall, it will be widened. Proposed Condition 6 requires that the driveway conform to commercial standards. When that occurs, visibility will be further enhanced. b. Having a driveway proximate to an intersection may be problematic. Ironically, in this area, the proximity (and other related factors) makes it more feasible for left turn movements into the subject site. For southbound (Puna) movements, Kinoole Street has a dedicated left turn lane. This lane fronts the subject property. Furthermore, the traffic signal lights at this intersection also has a dedicated left taro arrow. Given these circumstances, vehicles attempting to turn left into the subject property should reasonably be able to do so from the already dedicated left turn lane. Then, too, the dedicated left turn arrow at the intersection will cause a break in the town bound traffic, further facilitating left turn movements into the subject site. With the dedicated left turn arrow, the only town bound movements along Kinoole Street will be the mauka o(,r~ f Comm. No. v~~' I - Rof. To: Ref, Uate,~~,~.• Honorable Stacy Higa, Chair and Members of the Council March 6, 2006 Page 2 westbound vehicles making a right turn from E. Lanikaula Street. However, that will occur only AFTER A STOP. 3. Relative to vehicles exiting the property and making a left turn, that should also be possible or feasible because of the situation noted above. If vehicles within the subject property cannot effectively exit by making left- turn movements during certain periods of a day, the back up - if any -will occur within the subject property and not along Kinoole Street. This internalized backup should not impede the flow of traffic along Kinoole Street. I trust that this adequately addresses the questions of the Committee. If not or if there aze fixrther questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you very much for your consideration on this matter. ngerely, SIDNEY M. FUKE Planning Consultant Copy - Ms. Janice Oshiro