HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-05 Mayor's Waipio Valley Road continued Emergency Rule No. 2 and Emergency Rule No. 1 (final) ,MKV QF.1,9
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 * Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 * Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy Bldg C * Kailua-Kona. Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 * Fax(808)323-4440
Manor's Waipi`o Valley Read Continued
Emergency Rule No. 2 and Emergency Rule No.1
Pursuant to the authority vested in me by Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS")
Sections 264-1.5 and 127A-25(a), the County of Hawai`i's police powers, and due to the
public welfare, health and safety concerns presented by the current conditions of the
Waipi'o Valley Road and the impact of closure on those located in Waipi`o Valley if the
road is closed or fails, I hereby continue, adoption and promulgation of this Mayor's
Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. 2 and Emergency Rule No. 1 previously
adopted and promulgated on September 15, 2022. These rules have the force and
effect of law,.
This Continued Emergency Rule is based on the statements contained in the
Thirteenth Amended Traffic Emergency Zone Declaration and Thirteenth Declaration of
Emergency for Waipi`o Valley Road effective September 8„ 2024.
1, Mitchell D. Roth, Mayor of the County of Hawaii, hereby authorize the
following:
A. Waipio Valley Road Closure
Waipio Valley Road shall be closed, subject to the express limited exceptions
herein. This includes, but is not limited to:
1 . Prohibition of all pedestrians;
2. Prohibition of uncovered vehicles, including but not limited to ATVs;
and
3. Prohibition of horseback access.
B. Limited Access Exceptions
1 . Vehicular access by Hawaii County residents, permitted
licensed/insured tour operators, and Native Hawaiians claiming
exercise of traditional and/or customary rights.
a. Vehicles and passengers shall abide by existing traffic laws,
including:
(`ountl, of I Itm;-u i is an I-Aluai OpportunaN Pro%Idel and I:':ruplmer
Mayor's Waipio Valley Road Continued
Emergency Rule No. 2 and Emergency Rule No. 1
Page 2 of 3
i. Vehicular use is limited to low-range, four-wheel drive vehicles
(All wheel drive vehicles are not considered low range, four-
wheel drive vehicles);
ii. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shall not exceed 10,000
pounds except for utility and emergency vehicles, or existing
vehicles used for transit of agricultural products;
iii. Vehicles shall be engaged in four-wheel drive mode at all
times;
iv. Vehicle passengers shall be seated in enclosed compartments
of vehicles designed for passenger seating and wearing
seatbelts;
v. Makai-bound vehicles shall yield to mauka-bound vehicles.
b. Licensed/insured tour operators must obtain a permit from the
Mayor's office. Please call (808) 961-8211 .
i Permits shall be effective for a period of four (4) months from
date of issuance.
2. The Mayor may grant individual exemptions to this rule upon request
and shall explain the purpose for which Waipio Valley Road will be
used and upon sufficient showing that safety precautions consistent
with these rules are in place. The decision to grant or deny a request
is within the sole discretion of the Mayor. Request shall be submitted
to the Mayor's Office at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603, Hilo, Hawaii
96720.
C. Regardless of Limited Access Exceptions Pursuant to Section B,
Complete-Closure During Significant Weather Events
1 . Waipio Valley Road shall be closed for all use, or access further may
be limited, during significant weather events as determined by the
Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency in consultation with the
Department of Public Works.
2. This rule is not intended to limit the legal authority of government
agencies to close, or limit use, of Waipio Valley Road as otherwise
provided by law.
D. Closure and Limited Access Durina Periods of Construction
Access to Waipio Valley Road may be closed or further restricted during active
road repair and/or mitigation activities, The Department of Public Works will hold public
meetings as part of its road utilization planning during periods of road construction.
Information and updates regarding the Waipio Valley Road may be found at Bulletins_[
Ha.waii Co L1atY_,_Hj PLjbluc Works..
(:,unty of Flawai i is an Equal(-)I)pwiun it y Prow Cie r aml Ernp I u"er
Mayor's Waipio Valley Road Continued
Emergency Rule No.2 and Emergency Rule No. 1
Page 3 of 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of
the County of Hawaii to be affixed. Done this day of September, 2024 in Hilo,
Hawaii.
� o
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
County of Hawaii
APPROVED AS TO
FO ND LITY:
Sin alas we—FTDO
Deputy or ti nsel
I HEREBY CERTIFYthafabove is a
true and correct-copy.oft"a original
now on file i_ .410:-
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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