HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1137.004 2006-2008
TO COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS COMNIITITE
RE: RESOLUTION 596-08 concerning this Administration's
repeated failure to address the South Kohala Traffic Crisis
Fr: Margaret Wille, Waimea resident 4-21-08 808-887-1419
POSITION: SUPPORT WITH RESERVATIONS - This gentle
"nudge" of a resolution will be ignored. There is already a $400,000
environmental assessment for one key road that is considered
necessary by Parsons Brinckerhoff --that has been intentionally
stalled. There is no political will in this Administration and the people
are suffering. Please consider taking a stronger position, such as a
MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT UNTIL ADEQUATE
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADEQUATE ALTERNATIVE MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION ARE IN PLACE TO SERVICE EXISTING AND
ALREADY APPROVED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
"FIX TRAFFIC" has been the number one concern in South Kohala for decades. In the
late 1980's Richard Smart, prior owner of Parker Ranch, stressed traffic congestion is a
primary community concern and warned that "Without a sensible plan at this point in
time, the current trend of strip development will yield a congested and sprawling
community without character or distinction." (From undated handout titled "Parker
Ranch 2020: Big Island of Hawaii A Master Plan for the Town Center".)
Today traffic in Waimea is often at a standstill during peak periods and access to
emergency facilities is often impossible. Pedestrian paths and sidewalks as well as bike
lanes are absent in both residential and commercial areas. Commuters from all over the
island spend a significant part of their day stalled in South Kohala traffic. The Waikoloa
and Puako communities are vulnerable to increasing disasters, yet there are inadequate
disaster egress routes in both communities. Kawaihae is faced with the imminent arrival of
the Superferry without the infrastructure to support the anticipated mass of traffic.
Military traffic in South Kohala is also increasing. Many large-scale residential
communities, have recently been approved that will encourage more population growth
and increased traffic. The level of desperation and rage among drivers is increasing and
adding to the traffic crisis.
The history of traffic and transportation issues in South Kohala is one of study and stall,
stall and study, without significant traffic improvements. As of December 2007, the
Mayor has had on his desk the final PB-America Waimea Traffic Circulation
Recommendations. Here is another study that is likely to be shelved if there are no
consequences to the current "No Action" Policy.
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Comm. No.
Ref. To: orese
Ref. Date PR 21 098 1
This moratorium would apply to all re-zonings and subdivisions, including
planned unit developments as well as to residential development in
commercial zones such as for condominiums and timeshares. What
would not be affected by this moratorium are permits for building a home
on an approved lot; renovations on an approved lot, ohana projects;
commercial developments -which could include employee housing as part
of the project, and all DHIH, housing projects because DIBL does not
require County approval.
Termination of Moratorium would be keyed to implementation of the following
critical traffic and transportation improvements:
in Waimea
1.) Achieve traffic "LOS" (Level of Service) of at least C at peak periods. Level C is the
mid level between A/B (no congestion/minimal congestion) but better than levels D, E, or
F (long delays), by way of implementation of the PB-America recommendations or
otherwise;
2.) Intra-Waimea shuttle bus service is operational with a minimum of two shuttle buses
at minimum providing service from the Mud Lane on Mamalahoa to Kamuela View
Estates on Kawaihae Road;
3.) Greenways trail is operational.
4.) The Lindsey Road bridge is repaired (after an alternate route around the Lindsey Road
intersection is completed);
5.) Pedestrian pathways are in place along Mamalahoa Highway and Kawaihae Road.
In Waikoloa
1.) Provide adequate emergency access by way of a second access road to Queen K.
2. Adopt a Waikoloa Village Circulation Plan to adequately address traffic circulation in
the community based on the already approved development plans;
3.) Complete at least one walkway and bikeway circulation route.
In Puako
1.) Completion of the southern Paniau evacuation route;
2.) Completion of at least one tsunami evacuation route that would run mauka,
perpendicular to the coast;
3.) Include Puako in at least one daily shuttle bus route.
In Kawaihae
I.) Implement adequate traffic circulation plan that takes into account Superferry traffic.
2.) Establish regular bus service to Waimea in advance of arrival of Superferry.
3.) Adopt plan to reduce driver speed on Akoni Puli Highway in the area of the Harbor
4. Complete a pedestrian and bikeway trail along Akoni Puli Highway through the
Kawaihae corridor.
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