HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPC 138 11/17/1998 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
DATE: November 17, 1998 RE: COMM. NO. 993/ BILL NO. 300
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 9:10 a.m.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks, to which was referred Communication No. 993
and attached Bill No. 300, reports as follows:
The purpose of Bill No. 300 is to amend Chapter 24, Article 10, Division 2, Section 24-267,
Schedule 15 (One way streets), Subsection (f) Kona, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (1995
Edition) by changing the traffic pattern along Kahakai Road in Kona to one-way in the southerly
direction.
Communication No. 993 is a letter from Deputy Chief Engineer Jiro A. Sumada, dated
September 17, 1998, which transmits Bill No. 300 to the Council for its review and
consideration. Mr. Sumada states that Kahakai Road is narrow and accommodates a variety of
vehicles to include busses, commercial/service vehicles, and local residents. The one-way
pattern will improve overall traffic safety for motorists and pedestrians along Kahakai Road as
well as eliminate vehicle conflicts oceumng at the intersection of Kahakai Road and Alii Dnve.
Communication No. 993.01 is a letter from Police Chief Wayne G. Carvalho, dated
October I , 1998, stating his support of Bill No. 300 as it will improve traffic flow and eliminate
the hazards that occur with vehicles attempting to exit Kahakai Road onto Alii Drive near
Huggo's.
Communication No. 993.02 is a letter from Cameron Hewines, Royal Kona Resort, dated
October 5, 1998, commenting on Bill No. 300. Mr. Hewines recommends leaving Kahakai
Road as a two-way or changing it to a one-way, north to south, beginning at Alii Drive and
ending at Royal Kona Resort to allow convenient access to the businesses at the south end of
Kahakai Road while easing the congestion at the north end at Alii Drive.
Communication No. 993.03 is a letter from Mrs. C. J. Kimberly, C. J. Kimberly Realtors, dated
October 5, 1998, stating she owns an office building on the southeast end of Kahakai Road and
feels that the amendment to Bill No. 300 will negatively impact the flow of traffic on this road
and inconvenience all the property owners on this end of the street.
Committee on Public Works & Parks
November l7, 1998
Page -2-
Communication No. 993.04 is a letter from Roy Thompson, Kona Reef, dated October 6, 1998,
opposing Bill No. 300, based upon the primary use of the Kona Reef complex is for vacation
rentals and limited time-shaze use by visitors. If Kahakai Road were turned into aone-way
street, visitors who come to the Kona Reef would have to try to find a way to get there. Visitors
would need to turn either at Huggo's or use the Royal Kona Resort entrance, which would
increase congestion.
Communication No. 993.05. a map submitted by Council Member Curtis Tyler, shows the
proposed one-way traffic pattern on Kahakai Road (Bill No. 300).
On October 6, 1998, Your Committee discussed this measure and felt that the concerns of the
traffic problems on Kahakai Road should be deferred for further evaluation.
Today, Council Member Curtis Tyler, provided Your Committee with information from a public
meeting that was held to discuss this measure. Mr. Tyler stated that the community, private
sector businesses, property owners and the Department of Public Works will be working to put
together a new proposal for Kahakai Road traffic pattern.
Your Committee is not in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 300 and recommends
that it be filed.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted
YAGONG X CO ITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS
REYNOLDS X _
CHUNG X
LEITHEAD-TODD X D IC YAGON , C
RAY X pW&PC REP T 138
SANTANGELO X ~ "
SMITH X ADOPTED:, ~ ~ I'~,998
ARAKAKI E.O..M. p~l-