HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1064.006 2012-2014P
Murashige, Laura
From: Shannon_ Harbaugh /PAHOAH /HIDOE @notes.kl2.hi.us
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2014 12:44 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Fw: Highway 130 Closure Plans
Dear Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee
I am a resident of lower Puna (14 -4943 Kalapana - Kapoho Beach Road) and a DOE employee, teaching at Pahoa High &
Intermediate School for the past 7+ years. I would like to share my thoughts and feelings on the possible closure of
Highway 130 prior to the lava coming close to this roadway.
I would very much like to see Highway 130 remain accessible for as long as possible! As I am preparing, personally and
professionally, for this roadway closure I think it's important to allow last minute access for residents to get final provisions
and materials in place. For example, I am anticipating delivery of solar panels and a refrigerator.
I can understand a concern for drivers who may block traffic to view lava flow activity. This will happen regardless of what
is closed and where. I believe this is why the National Guard was sent - to assist in traffic control.
As we've seen in the recent past, the lava low front advances and slows and stops with no pattern or warning. Closing the
highway early could mean that we spend weeks or months using an alternative route for no reason other than it was
convenient to prevent traffic clogs.
We know what the Highway looks like and an area could be designated for cars to pull over and take a photo for the time
being. However, we do no know what kinds of traffic disturbances the alternative route many invoke.
Thanks for taking my thoughts into consideration.
Shannon Harbaugh
Algebra, Geometry, Statistics & Probability
(8o8) 313 -4298
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Ref. To: Mr S
Ref. Date NOV 2014