HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 044 04/18/2006 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: April 18, 2006 RE: Comm. No. 806/Res. No. 311-06
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Resolution No. 311-06, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 311-06, transmitted by Hawaii County Council Vice Chair Virginia Isbell, via
Communication No. 806, dated Apri13, 2006, requesting the Mayor and his administration to
expedite the planning and design of necessazy vehiculaz and pedestrian safety improvements on
that portion of Ali`i Drive beginning one block north of the Kamehameha III Road and extending
south for one mile to Phase One of the Hokuli`a Bypass.
The resolution cites growth in the subject area as exacerbating the already dangerous ingress and
egress from adjacent properties, heightening the vehicular danger to the many vacationers,
walkers, cyclists and runners who frequent Ali`i Drive on a daily basis.
The resolution further states that timely attention to design and construction of necessazy
improvements prior to, or concurrent with, the opening of the Hokuli`a Bypass and the Ali`i
Highway extension will help insure that those driving on the affected roads will not have to deal
with the slow moving traffic, and will provide a safe pedestrian route.
Your Committee heazd testimony from members of the public regarding the proposed requests.
All members of the public spoke in support of the resolution. One member of the public suggested
that improvements to this intersection could be used as a pilot project for concurrency.
During the public testimony portion of the meeting, Council Member Jacobson informed the
Committee and those present at the meeting that he intended to introduce an amendment to
Res. No. 311-06, to include installation of a traffic roundabout at the subject intersection
Your committee was informed by members of the public and members of the Department of Public
Works that a traffic roundabout was not feasible at the intersection, as there is not sufficient space
and that there is a burial site located near the edge of the intersection, thus limiting excavation
space. Additionally, your Committee was informed that the approach to the intersection is very
steep and not suitable for a traffic roundabout. Mr. Jacobson stated that he was not personally
familiaz with the subject intersection, but would like a roundabout to be considered.
PWIRC Committee Report
April 18, 2006
Page 2
During the ensuing discussion, Mr. Jacobson introduced his amendment. Some Committee
members opined that since the amendment is just a suggestion, and as such, carries no weight, it
has no effect on the Resolution itself. The motion was adopted with seven ayes and one no.
There was discussion regarding the priorities of the Department of Public Work versus those of the
Council and of the general public. Mr. Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director of the department agreed
that the department has different priorities than the Council or the general public. Mr. Sumada
cautioned your Committee members to consider "the big picture" and not to focus on small
sections of the island. Mr. Sumada assured your Committee members that his department always
considers the priorities of the Council and the general public, but stated that there are many other
considerations that come into play, such as funding, other traffic concerns, other roads and
intersections to consider, etc., and therefore what the Council and/or the public consider to be high
priorities are not always feasible.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 311-06 as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption.
After the vote was called, your Committee recessed at 10:30 a.m., to reconvene after the Public
Safety and Parks and Recreation Committee concluded its meeting.
awm
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ARAKAKI R
RIGA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN x INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
HOLSCHUH R ~ Ed~~
IKEDA X ~f~~
ISBELL x DONALD IKEDA, CHAIR
dACOBSON X PWIRC REPORT NO. 44
PILAGO X
SAFARIK x ADOPTED: MAY O Z 2006