Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0965.037 1998-2000November 2, 2000 • Honorable Hawaii County Council Members 1 South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee Mr, John Ray, Chair POBox 1680 Kamuela, HI 96743 -1680 RESOLUTION 345 -00 A RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE PROPOSED GAS STATION /CONVENIENCE STORE /CAR WASH AND /OR FAST FOOD DEVELOPMENT ON "CHURCH ROW" IN WAIMEA, HAWAII • RECE`JED '00 NOU 1 PITT 3 92 COUNTY CLERK COUNTY Y OE HAWAli The South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee has been in existence for over thirty years, serving Waimea and the surrounding areas. We were instrumental in having the first traffic light in Waimea installed at Mamalahoa Highway and Lindsey Road, and accomplishing the over $5 million Mamalahoa Highway Improvement Project. We have several serious concerns about the inherent traffic safety problems created by the proposed gas station /convenience store /car wash and /or fast food development being planned for Church Row in Waimea. 1) Mamalahoa Highway is the only road encircling the island. The west -junction of Church Row with Mamalahoa Highway is a complicated intersection. When the developer submitted plans earlier, the County -- responded - it - would not want to provide access directly from Mamalahoa Highway, but a Waimea group wants to prevent access to this project from Church Row. Both parties have valid reasons. The project would be directly across the highway from North Hawai l i Community Hospital's emergency drive. Impact on this should also be considered. - 2) The proposed use will unnecessariiy acid unsafeiy increase traffic in the _ .-- area. This project is incomplete without a traffic study. An extensive one should be initiated immediately. This study should identify anticipated traffic counts and identify the impact on surrounding uses, as well as address options to mitigate any negative traffic impact. 3) Church Row is an area of quiet tranquility in the heart of Waimea. Church Row Drive is a substandard County road and should not be upgraded. The Comm. No File No Ref. To Ref. Hate 4&5. Presented Cativit NOV 2 2000 808 885 4234 11/1/00 (i.: 4 07 PM D 1 / 1 • • SKTSC Testimony 11/2/00 Page 2 area is passive, is used for church functions, festivals and as a par ?de staging area. The Waimea Design Plan states that "the construction c roads to rural standards - without curbs, gutters and sidewalks - 15 a major aspect of the ranch character of Waimea." The aesthetics should be preserved. We feel that this proposed development is incompatible with the Church Row area, and that other use of the property should be considered. 4) The developer has been asked to present his plans to SKTSC In!i ha3 not done so as yet. The committee wants to review the plans and the irafPio study. - We request that a traffic study be required and that the 30 -day tirnets.ble of the Plan Review process be extended to allow this committee to examine the traffic study. We urge that the County Council adopt this Resolution.