HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1137.003 2006-2008
South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee
P.O. Box 383375 PoM4rFaxNde 7871 A CD d'.i.:?22
Waikoloa, HI 96738
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April 21, 2008 '
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RE: Resolution 596-08 F`" I~- FM# -
Current Chair of South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee, an independent public
forum for citizens to meet with government representatives to address traffic
safety Issues and enhance setety and promote enhanced safety through
education, enforcement and engineering.
South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee supports implementin aFap ien.
County DPW in 2004 wanted to extend Lalamilo Road from Its allo to -0
Kawnihae Road with the $10M. After public outcry and demand "iffffioa r
study, a consultant was hired in 2004 or early 2005 at $400K to pefrmm trn EA
for 1-alamllo Road. No results, on hold and added unspecified ogEts =D
reported to date. PB was hired to perform traffic circulation study at'4prvar
$250K to identify solutions. Study completed but no action slnc4-tAc tilllber~:
2006. County has added buses from East Hawaii (taking 800-900~odoplemut of
individual vehicles) and is scheduled to start Waimea shuttle with of felateEP
funding. SKTSC requests and Tom Brown's efforts are making a difference in
this part of the solution.
Why have other parts of the Walmsa Circulation Project been delayed? Arc
the people of South Kohala being punished for requesting a traffic study
and beat solution instead of supporting extending the existing Lalamllo
Road?
Recently private citizens brought a legal action against the County for not
requiring a Developer to meet the terms of its binding bonding permit. The
settlement has started the Parker Ranch Connector Road with construction in
2009 and 2010. This road is not a solution to congestion unless the County
funds the Lindsey road extension and an East and connection to
Marnalshon Hwy. M is reported that Lindsey extension will require an EA.
This entire plan is found in Phase I of the PB study. Why do ditwm have to
bring legal action to force the County to enforce ordinances?
This resolution is needed and a start in moving the County in the right
direction after a b year period of delays, changing priorities that have led to
inaction In regards to Waimea Circulation Problems. Public comment has been
ignored. Consequences to this current mode of operation have resulted in the
following.
Comm. No.
Ref. To,Present
Ref. DoteAPR 121108
Recently in South Kohala District, the County Highway Department started to
repave Lalamilo Road. The work was halted when the public notified the County
that the road Was schedwted for aut6ng W%d ditching for new v1 ft blues. The
Mud Lane paving project was not announced with the entire contemplated work
scope. Subsequently the project was interrupted and halted. The guard rail
project on Spenser Road has resulted in a petition to remove the project as a
result of no notice or opportunity for the public to comment. The County lack of
effort to coordinate Its projects with other agencies, seek public comment
and have a published plan was evident M these situations.
South Kohala Traffic Safely Committee supports sale roads and solutions to
Waimea traffic congestion. At the same time the membership supports keeping
the rural character of the community and protecting the Lalamilo Farm lots with a
1000 That buffer. The connector roads are viewed as roads for local travel not
major commuter traffic. Realistically the connector roads will need to handle both
local and commuter traffic. The State Bypass should provide for major commuter
traffic in the future. Many feel the County is ignoring the publids input,
concerns and desires.
This resolution should incorporate the following for this project and future
projects;
1 _ That road projects be prioritized under a program similar to the State of
Hawaii giving emphasis to motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety; need
and extent of deterioration; access by emergency response providers; and
Civil Defense evacuation route needs as priorities.
2. That the Department Of Public Works provide a prioritized list of
projects with estimated coet and schedule to the public annually for
comment prior to the Incorporation In the Annual Budget The Mayor
monitor and hold DPW accountable for timely planning, obtaining
adequate funding and executing prioritized projects.
3. That the County Department of Public Works plan, coordinate and
monitor these projects In a transparent manner to avoid waste, confusion
and lack of confidence by the public.
4. That public notice of start, completion and traffic delays is announced by
DPW through the media at least 2 weeks prior to a project and continually
until completion. Recommended alternate routes and other actions to
reduce traffic congestion are conveyed to the public.
Mahalo for the Hawaii County Council's and your ration and support for
these requests.
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