HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0129.000 1988-1992DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
COUNTY OF HAWAII - 25 AUPUNI STREET - HILO. HAWAII 96720 - TELEPHONE (808) 961-8321
7rE OF•w'J�
January 23, 1989
MR STEPHEN K YAMASHIRO CHAIRMAN
AND MEMBERS
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
HILO HI 96720
SUBJECT: EFFECT OF WAILOA BRIDGE REPLACEMENT ON RECONVERSION
OF TRAFFIC PATTERN IN DOWNTOWN HILO - COMM. 19
BERNARD K. AKANA
near«
HUGH Y ONO
Chief Engineer
BRUCE C. McCLURE
Deputy Chief Engineer
COt3N!'Y CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time 12-150 ral By J I
"'Jate j r q Sq
The Wailoa Bridge construction project has not significantly affected the
traffic pattern in downtown Hilo. Traffic delays and congestion through the
construction zone have been minimal because two lanes of traffic have been
provided through this area. We have not observed higher than normal traffic
flows along the alternate routes, Kilauea Avenue and Kekuanaoa Street, to the
downtown area.
We do not feel the reversal of the existing one-way pattern in downtown Hilo
will be affected by the bridge construction if the two lanes of traffic are
left open. If less than two lanes are provided, the delays and congestion may
cause motorists to use alternate routes and subsequent traffic delays along
the alternate routes. The reversal of the one-way pattern will improve
traffic flow to town. Traffic which normally turns left or right onto
Ponahawai Street at the Kilauea Avenue approach to downtown will be able to
proceed straight ahead to their downtown destination.
The greatest impacts of the one-way reversal will be the need for motorists to
change their driving habits and the increase in response times by Central Fire
Station when responding to calls in the Wainaku area.
Under the proposal, Ponahawai Street and Waianuenue Avenue will remain two-way
streets and provide the makai-mauka links to other Hilo areas. The one-way
pattern on the makai portions of Wailuku Drive will provide a better
circulation pattern and allow us to retain the existing 8 -hour parking stalls
needed in that area.
We feel that the reversal of the existing one-way pattern will be in the best
interest of the long term growth of the city of Hilo.
HUGH Y. ONO, P.E.
Chief Engineer
RN :ctc
• Comm. No. /O�
Fite No.
Ref. Date JAN 2