HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 099 10/21/2008 2006-2008
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REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENT AL RELATIONS
DATE:
PLACE:
October 21, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1494/Res. 768-08
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
TIME:
8:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai'i County Council
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Communication No. 1494, regarding Resolution 768-08, reports as follows:
Resolution 768-08, transmitted by Council member Emily Naeole via Communication No. 1494,
dated September 25, 2008. This proposed resolution Urges Hawai'i State Department of
Transportation (DOT) to Create a Reversible or Counterflow Lane during Peak Commute Hours
on Highway 130 at the Bottleneck near Keaau High School.
There was testimony in opposition from members of the public regarding the proposed
acceptance.
Council member Naeole stated that this proposed resolution is in response to numerous
complaints of traffic congestion during peak commuting hours in the morning and evening on
Highway 130. Ms. Naeole IS fully aware of DOT's proposal to offer long term relief by adding
another lane north and south bound of Highway 130 projected to begin in 2010. Furthermore,
Ms. Naeole suggested the use of geothermal funds to finance this proposed project. She sought
the support of her colleagues on this proposed resolution.
Council member Jacobson is not in support of this resolution due to unknown costs of operating
the counterflow and public safety concerns.
Traffic Division Chief Ron Thiel appeared before your committee. Mr. Thiel provided a map
marking the traffic congestion at the bottleneck near Keaau High School on Highway 130.
Through his traffic analysis, Mr. Thiel commented that he provided suggestions to the
Department of Transportation on their proposed short and long term plan for Highway 130.
These proposals consist of adding lanes and traffic signal changes. Although, he differs in
opinion on the reversible or counterflow lane issue, Mr. Thiel does not oppose this proposed
resolution and encourage moving it through. Currently, Department of Public Works is
conducting traffic signal testing studies in this general area and is looking at other solutions to
this particular issue.
PWIRC RPT NO. 99
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Communication No. 1494/Res 768-08
Council member Naeole made a motion that was duly seconded and approved to postpone
consideration of Resolution 768-08 until November 6, 2008, to allow her additional time to
provide the information requested, which includes the following:
. Maps delineating the current roadways and traffic flow on Highway 130 at the bottleneck
near Keaau High School
. Maps delineating the proposed reversible or counterflow lane on Highway 130 and
suggested hours of operation to ease traffic congestion
. Police department representation and comments on the proposed resolution
. Hawai'i State Department of Transportation comments on the proposed resolution; and
request Highways Hawai'i District Engineer Mr. Stanley Tamura for further assistance to
acquire additional resources and maps
. Planning Director Chris Yuen's response regarding uses of geothermal funds to finance
the proposed project on a State Highway
. Schedule of dates and times DOT plans to hold public meetings regarding the
improvement to Highway 130
At the end of the agenda, Council member Naeole made a motion for reconsideration on the
postponement. The motion was duly seconded and approved. Ms. Naeole reiterated the urgency
to seek an immediate solution to this traffic problem and priority to resolve it; she agreed to
provide the information listed above at the next Council meeting on November 7,2008, if
approved.
Committee Members discussed the pros and cons of the intent of the resolution. The group was
in support of the urgency of this measure; however, some felt more information was required
prior to an affirmative vote.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 768-08, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E EX
FORD X
HIGA X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
PILAGO X
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO X
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Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELA nONS
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BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PWIRC REP()~1_1'-1_0~ <}~_n__
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