HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-35 HPP Pathways Master Plan June 2013 FinalCommunication No. 2013 -35
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Pathways Master Plan
Prepared by the
Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association
Paradise Paths Committee
June 2013
HPP Pathways Master Plan
June 2013
INTRODUCTION
The vision for development of pedestrian walkways and bikeways in Hawaiian Paradise
Park (HPP) has been conceptual for a number of years. The current recorded efforts to
provide impetus for development of pathways in HPP were noted as general issues in
the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association Bylaws (Hawaiian Paradise Park
Owners Association, 2009) when it references in Article IV the need to "maintain,
manage, preserve, and protect the commonly owned roadway easements... and to
promote social and recreational activities within the Hawaiian Paradise Park
subdivision."
As the population of HPP has dramatically increased and limitations of our road system
have become apparent, more interest has been focused on providing a future vision of
how we can improve the safety of walking and biking in HPP. In October 1993, a group
of visionary HPP citizens drafted the original Hawaiian Paradise Park Community
Master Plan. This document provided a vision for the future development of the HPP
Community. The new plan of 2005 vintage emphasized the need for
walkways /bikeways to provide safe connections in HPP (Hawaiian Paradise Park
Owners Association Master Plan Revision Committee, 2005). The document noted that
" HPPOA embraces the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths
throughout the subdivision, especially Railroad Avenue."
Support for development of a network of pedestrian /bicycle pathways is found in a
variety of planning documents from various levels of government that govern the HPP
subdivision. The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation created Bike Plan
Hawaii (2003), which outlines four priority levels for pathway development in the state
and designates a number of priority level 1 (near term) proposals within HPP. In 1979,
the County of Hawaii created The Bikeway Plan (County of Hawaii, 1979). Although
that Bikeway Plan is over 30 years old, the current County of Hawaii General Plan
(County of Hawaii, 2012) supports incorporation of that Bikeway Plan for the county,
and specifically outlines a course of action for possible bikeway development along
Railroad Avenue in HPP. Likewise, the Puna Community Development Plan (Puna
Community Development Plan Steering Committee, 2011) outlines a goal of safe
walking and bicycling routes to schools, parks, and bus stops, and denotes the specific
action item of constructing multi - purpose trails, two of which are within HPP. The goal
of having pathways for walking and biking for HPP is supported by the development
plans for the County of Hawaii and District of Puna as well as the Bike Plan for the State
of Hawaii.
In December 2011, PATH Hawaii, the 501c3 non - profit dedicated to development of
biking and walking paths, visited with interested residents of HPP along with two staff of
Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association ( HPPOA). This group advocated for
residents of HPP to begin organizing for development of pathways in HPP and the
greater community. In June 2012, at the quarterly HPPOA General Membership
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Meeting, a motion was approved to form a Membership Committee, named "HPPOA
Paradise Paths Committee ", to mobilize the HPP Community in the formation of
pathways for HPP.
The goals of the HPPOA Paradise Paths Committee are to: 1) develop a formal
pathways master plan and have this plan incorporated into the Puna Community
Development Plan, 2) increase awareness of the need for safer walking and biking
pathways in HPP, and 3) develop collaborative initiatives and funding for the formation
of a pathway system in HPP.
This HPP Pathways Master Plan of June 2013 is one output of the HPPOA Paradise
Paths Committee. It is meant to be a working plan, looking forward to ways to make
Paradise Park a safer, healthier place to live, work, and play. Like all plans, it focuses
on what could be. This Master Plan is designed to be a living document with realistic
goals for development of a network of pathways in HPP. It is intended to be included as
an addendum to the HPPOA Master Plan (Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association
Master Plan Revision Committee, 2005).
To create a network for safe travel throughout Hawaiian Paradise Park, the Paradise
Paths Committee identified four specific tasks for development: 1) Create the HPP
Pathways Master Plan, 2) Foster collaborations between groups of people who have an
interest in and benefit from this network of safe pathways; 3) Cultivate available financial
and volunteer resources necessary to make the Pathways Plan a reality; and 4)
Implement the Pathways Master Plan.
The HPP Pathways Master Plan
The plan calls for a network of lanes, routes, and paths. These are designed to provide
pedestrians and cyclists safe passage throughout the subdivision's roadways; to and
from homes, schools, churches, businesses, bus stops, and park land in HPP. Each
aspect of the planned network reflects adaptations to motor vehicle traffic, necessary
surface material, and signage, thus promoting safe travel. The included HPP Pathways
Map (Figure 1) shows the locations of the lanes, routes, and paths within the HPP
subdivision.
Multi -Use Non - Motorized Lanes (Blue)
The three types of lanes provide a distinct separation between motor vehicles and
bikes /pedestrians: state highway, feeder road, paved connecting road. These lanes are
represented in blue on the HPP Pathways Map (Figure 1).
The state highway lane runs along Highway 130 from Maku'u Drive to Shower Drive.
The actual route, dimensions, and surface materials will be determined as proposed
improvements to the highway are made.
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June 2013
The four feeder road lanes run the full length of Shower Drive (from Highway 130 to 22nd
Ave.), and all of Kaloli, Paradise and Maku'u Drives (from Highway 130 to Beach Rd.).
These feeder roads are the main arteries through HPP and thus, are high traffic roads.
This lane will be a two -way surfaced path that is separate from the roadway. A
conceptual drawing of this feeder road lane is presented in Figure 2. This lane will be
on the Northwest (Hilo side) of each feeder road. A distance of at least five feet will
separate the Multi -Use Non - Motorized Lanes and the feeder road. To accommodate a
variety of multi -use non - motorized traffic (i.e. pedestrians or bicyclists), the ten -foot wide
lanes will be surfaced. Each lane will be divided in half by a painted line to
accommodate two directions of non - motorized traffic. For additional delineation between
motorized and non - motorized traffic, "HPP Multi -Use Non - Motorized Lane" signs with
graphic cars, pedestrians, and bikes will be posted as per county signage code
requirements.
The eight paved connecting road lanes connect feeder road lanes. They will run along
both sides of the following roads:
• 32nd Ave. between Maku'u and Paradise Drives
• 31St Ave. between Paradise and Kaloli Drives
• 28th Ave. between Kaloli and Shower Drives
• 22nd Ave. between Kaloli and Shower Drives
• 7th Ave. between Maku'u and Kaloli Drives
• 1St Ave. between Maku'u and Paradise Drives
• Beach Rd. between Kaloli and Paradise Drives
• Road K (Pilikai) from Beach Road to the end.
To separate motorized and non - motorized users on these heavy- traffic roads, three -foot
wide lanes will be surfaced on both sides of the roadway. The travel direction of these
narrower lanes will be the same as motorized traffic. For additional delineation between
Multi -Use Non - Motorized Lanes and these paved connection roads, "HPP Multi -Use
Non - Motorized Lane" signs with graphic cars, pedestrians, and bikes will be posted as
per county signage code requirements.
Bike /Pedestrian Routes (orange)
These routes will connect HPPOA park land and land designated "Village Center" on the
1959 HPP Subdivision Map, as well as provide safe corridors for school access within
HPP. Motorized and non - motorized traffic will share the right of way on these existing
paved and dirt roads.
• Pohaku Circle and Pohaku Place
• 27th Ave. between Maku'u and Paradise Drives
• 26th Ave. between Maku'u and Shower Drives (school)
• 25th Ave. between Maku'u and Shower Drives
• Railroad Ave from Shipman land to Hawaiian Homelands
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June 2013
• 20t" Ave. between Maku'u and Paradise Drives (school)
• 19t" Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side
• 17t" Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side to HPPOA center
• 16t" Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side to Kaloli Drive
• 15t" Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side to Kaloli Drive dead end
• 14t" Ave. between Maku'u and Kaloli Drives
• 6th Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side to Paradise Drive dead end
• 5t"' Ave. dead end on Maku'u Drive side to Kaloli Drive dead end
• 4th Ave. between Maku'u and Kaloli Drives
• Beach Rd. between Kaloli Drive and Shipman land
• Road E (Kupoa) between Road K (Pilikai) and Paradise Ala Kai
• Road L (Paradise Ala Kai) between Paradise Drive and end
• Beach Rd. between Hawaiian Homeland and Paradise Drive (except through the
county park)
• Heiau Rd. (Ala Heiau) between Beach Rd. and Hawaiian Homeland
In order to emphasize the sharing of the right of way, appropriate signs will be posted on
these paved and dirt roads as per county signage code requirements. Where the lanes
and routes intersect, warning signs for non - motorized traffic will be posted on the routes
and lanes as per county signage code requirements. These lanes are represented in
orange on the HPP Pathways Map.
Bike /Pedestrian Paths (pink)
These meandering crushed stone paths loop through HPPOA park property and Hawaii
County park property. The paths are designated for walking, running, or biking
completely away from motorized traffic. The paths will be developed on the following
seven parcels of land:
• HPPOA park land on Kaloli Drive between 25th and 26t" Aves.
• HPPOA park land on Maku'u Drive between 17th and 15t" Aves.
• HPPOA park land on Kaloli Drive between 15th and 14t" Aves.
• HPPOA park land on Maku'u Drive between 7th and 5th Aves.
• HPPOA park land on Kaloli Drive between 5t" and 4th Aves.
• County of Hawaii park land on Road L (Paradise Ala Kai)
• County of Hawaii park land on Beach Rd. between the boulders
"Non- motorized Path" signs will be posted at the entrance to the path loop and at each
end of the Beach Park path. These lanes are represented in pink on the HPP Pathways
Map.
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June 2013
Collaboration of Interested People
Wide ranging collaboration is necessary to make the HPP Pathways Master Plan a
reality. Active parties in planning, fund raising, and volunteer work include residents, the
Paradise Paths Committee, the HPPOA Board, the Office of HPPOA General Manager
and staff, the Puna Planning Development Committee, the County of Hawaii, the State
of Hawaii, and PATH Hawaii, a 501c3 non - profit. Efforts will be made to include other
community agencies and businesses to make pathways in HPP a reality.
The residents created the Paradise Paths Committee and provide the volunteer
resources necessary to implement the HPP Pathways Master Plan. In addition, the
committee has solicited input from members of the HPP community through distribution
of a Bike and Walking Paths Survey (Appendix ). The Paradise Paths Committee
regularly meets monthly on the third Tuesday and on additional days during the month
as is necessary for the work to progress. A few members of the HPPOA Board are a
part of the Paradise Paths Committee, developing clearer lines of communication
between the committee and the Board. The Office of HPPOA General Manager and
staff engage in problem solving within the constraints of the HPPOA budget, provide
substantive use of HPP resources, and contribute much research into costs and
materials. A member of the HPPOA Board is currently on the Puna Planning
Development Committee, advocating for support and funding for our pathways plan
through that organization. Our County Council representative is a current resident of
HPP, and through the committee co- chairmen, is apprised of the plan's progress and
funding challenges. Our representative to the Hawaii Legislature is also a current
resident of HPP. Through contacts with his office, the Paradise Paths Committee may
secure resources at the state level. Connections have been made with PATH Hawaii
through which the Paradise Paths Committee can avail of the organization's successful
experiences in planning and fund raising for paths development in Kona and Waimea.
Cultivation of available financial and volunteer resources
Recognizing that the residents of HPP will benefit from the safety of the network created
by the HPP Pathways Master Plan, the residents have the responsibility to cultivate the
financial and volunteer resources necessary for the plan's implementation. The financial
cost of this plan goes beyond the scope of the current HPPOA budget. The Paradise
Paths Committee will seek additional funding through private and public sources, such
as direct grants and matching grants. The connection with PATH Hawaii could lead to
additional funding sources. The residents will set up a funding account through HPPOA
into which residents can donate monies that will be solely used for the implementation
of the HPP Pathways Master Plan. The Paradise Paths Committee will organize the
account and create ways to stimulate donations by those who wish to support the
network.
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June 2013
Implementation
Implementation of this HPP Pathways Master Plan will take place in multiple phases.
The content of each phase will be determined by prioritization of certain areas, funding
availability, cost estimates, and community input.
The first phase toward completing the HPPOA Pathways Master Plan is developing a
Multi -Use Non - Motorized Lane along Paradise Drive from Highway 130 to Beach Rd., a
distance of 4.3 miles (denoted in blue, Figure 1). Paradise Dr. was chosen for priority
Phase I development for a few reasons: 1) It is a central road in HPP, 2) the roadway
right of way is relatively clear of rock, ditches, and trees that would need to be cleared
or filled for path development (when compared to Maku'u, Kaloli and Shower Drives),
thus reducing cost, and 3) It is a direct connection between highway 130 and the coastal
County Park.
Development of this Phase 1 plan is currently underway. The preliminary cost estimate
of Phase 1 is $524,533.33, a per mile cost of $121,984.50. To clear and grub the right
of way, then install the base course costs $277,493.33. To apply the finished chip seal
surface costs $277,040.00. Supplies, signs, and striping cost an additional $20,000.00.
While the HPPOA Board of Directors has approved the first phase concept, the funding
of this first phase is currently a work in progress.
Conclusion
According to the Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Master Plan (2005), " HPPOA
embraces the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths throughout the
subdivision." Making this idea a reality has been the work of many residents since the
original writing of the HPP Community Master Plan. The HPP Pathways Master Plan is
the culmination of that work. As a growing community, we must develop pathways that
will increase access for walking and biking activities. As residents collaborate and plan
to create this network of pathways, people of all ages will finally be able to travel safely
throughout Hawaiian Paradise Park. By adding this new Pathways Plan to the HPPOA
Master Plan, we are providing a detailed plan for safe biking and walking in one of the
largest residential areas in the County of Hawaii. In this way, HPPOA can demonstrate
to the general community and funding groups a rational plan for improving safety and
wellness for our island community.
HPP Pathways Master Plan
June 2013
References
County of Hawaii. (2012, June). County of Hawaii General Plan- February 2005.
http: //www, cohplanningdept, com/wp-
content/ uploads /2013/01 /GP2005AmendthruOrd 12 -089, pdf . Hilo, HI, USA : County of
Hawaii.
County of Hawaii. (1979). The Bikeway Plan, County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii. Hilo, HI,
USA: County of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association. (2009, July 30). Amended and Restated
Bylaws of Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association.
http: / /www.hppoa.com /Bylaws.pdf. . Kea'au, HI, USA: Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners
Association (HPPOA).
Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association Master Plan Revision Committee. (2005,
September). Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Master Plan: A Future Vision for our
Community. http.-Ilwww.hppoa.comIMaster%20PIanlplan.html. Kea'au , HI, USA :
Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association (HPPOA).
Puna Community Development Plan Steering Committee. (2011, December 6). Puna
Community Development Plan- September 2008. http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/puna-
cdp /dra ft- plan - recommendations /1 % 20 % 20Puna % 20CDP % 20amended % 20No v-
2011.pdf /view . Hilo, HI, USA: County of Hawaii.
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation. (2003). Bike Plan Hawaii 2003: A State of
Hawaii Master Plan. http: / /hidot.hawaii.gov /highways /bike - and- pedestrian-
gateway / #bikeplan .Honolulu, HI, USA: State of Hawaii.
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June 2013
Appendix
Community Input
To solicit input from members of the HPP community, HPPOA Paradise Paths
Committee created a "Bike and Walking Paths Survey ". This survey was intended for
both lot owners and renters in the HPP subdivision, as a way to include the majority of
the users of the roadways. The survey was made available to HPP community
members in a variety of venues: hard copies in the HPPOA office, electronic posting to
the HPPOA website, distribution to neighbors by committee members, and distribution
during an HPPOA general membership meeting. The survey results were compiled by
the HPPOA Paradise Paths Committee and reported here.
Summary of the Paradise Paths Survey Results
Of the 96 questionnaires, the majority of the people who responded are owners. The
respondents frequently use the roads for biking /walking and would use them more if
roads were safer. Approximately 66% of the respondents did not have children and
would like shoulder improvement. This majority would also support a one -way
bikeway /walkway on Upper Paradise, and would support using road maintenance funds
for the project, even if HPP could not secure supplemental private or public funding.
In terms of ranking the proposed projects, the top four projects, in order of importance,
were:
1. Improving shoulders on main roads
2. Getting County or State assistance to provide funding for path improvements
3. Path /Lane on one of the main roads ocean to highway
4. Improved signage on existing road to have cars "share the roads ".
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June 2013
Specific Results of Paradise Paths Survey
96 questionnaires were fully completed
1. 0 -4 years- 28
5 -10 years -28
10+ years- 40
Of the 96 questionnaires:
2. Renters -3
3. Owners -67
26 did not complete either #2 or #3
4. Owner Activities:
Never uses Roads for biking /walking- 8
Occasionally uses -21
Frequently uses- 49
Would use but unsafe -35
Some respondents answered more than one activity above
5. We need a safe way to bike or walk on our main roads:
Yes -85
No- 7
6. 1 have children in HPP:
Yes -27
No -62
7. 1 would support road and shoulder improvement for safe usage:
Yes -82
No- 9
8. If private or public funding not available would support use of road funds to pay for
bike /walking paths:
Yes- 64
No- 27
9. I support the development of the one -way bikeway /walkway on upper Paradise:
Yes- 58
No- 27
Ranking Prospective Projects:
(1 not important to 3 -very important)
10. Path /Lane on one of the main roads ocean to highway:
1) Not important -24
2) Important- 12
3) Very important -44
11. Improved signage on existing roads to have cars "share the roads ":
1) Not important- 34
2) Important- 12
3) Very important- 44
12. Getting speed limits enforced to provide safer walking and biking:
1) Not important -34
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June 2013
2) Important- 18
3) Very important -25
13. Improving shoulders on the main roads:
1) Not important- 17
2) Important- 11
3) Very important -59
14. Developing awalking /biking path from Puna to Hilo:
1) Not important- 35
2) Important- 19
3) Very important -26
15. Providing signage and trail improvement for the ocean bikeways area:
1) Not important -35
2) Important- 27
3) Very important -19
16. Getting County /State assistance to provide funding for path improvements:
1) Not important -17
2) Important- 9
3) Very important -55
17. Development of Beach Road Park (county owned) roadway for a safer bike /walk
pathway:
1) Not important- 22
2) Important- 15
3) Very Important- 32
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June 2013
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Bike & Walking Paths Survey
To make sure Paradise Paths Committee is doing the right thing for our community, we need
the community to give us input. Please help us by completing the following short survey and
returning to the HPPOA office by March 1, 2013.
Please look over our web page (coming soon, we hope!) on the HPPOA website and the
included HPP map to look at proposed paths. With the results of this survey, we hope to do
those things that make the most sense for the majority of the community.
Please describe yourself:
I have lived in HPP for
years. I am a owner, renter (please circle one).
Check the line(s) that best describe your activities:
My family never uses the roads for biking and /or walking;
My family occasionally uses the roads for biking and /or walking;
My family frequently uses the roads for biking and /or walking;
My family would use the roads for biking and /or walking but do not for safety reasons.
Please check yes or no on the following questions:
Yes No
1. We need a safe way to bike and walk on our main roads;
2. 1 have children in HPP;
3. 1 would support road and shoulder improvements to provide safer usage;
4. If private or public funding is not available, I would support use of road funds to pay
for bike and walking path development.
5. 1 support the development of upper Paradise drive for a one -way bikeway and
walkway from the highway to Railroad. Cost for this project would be for labor and
paint /signage to move striping over and create a path on the Hilo side of upper Paradise.
Please assign a number from 1 to 3 (1 being not important, 3 being very important )to the items
below:
A lane on one of the main roads, from the ocean to highway 130;
Improved signage on existing roads to have cars "share the road ";
Getting speed limits enforced to provide safer walking and biking;
Improving shoulders on the main roads;
Developing a walking /biking path from Puna to Hilo;
Providing signage and trail improvement for an ocean bikeways area;
Getting County /State assistance to provide funding for path improvements;
Development of Beach Road Park (county owned) roadway for a safer bike /walk
pathway.
Please complete and return this survey to the HPPOA office by May 20 .2013
Mahalo!
HPPOA Paradise Paths Committee
ME