HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-24.1 Comm Response Connectivity Locations May 2015Communication No. 2015 -24.1
COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO CONNECTIVITY LOCATION PROPOSALS
Critical, viable, level of service oriented input regarding criteria
May 2013 to April 2015
93, #19, #41 Kaleponi to Punahele
This essential Connectivity Location has long been an issue between the subdivisions of Eden
Roc and Fern Forest. The two subdivisions share a Volunteer Fire Department and fire truck and
the only access between the two subdivisions has been blocked by a concrete barrier. Completion
of this one small Connectivity Location will create an emergency route that could be of assistance
to all residents from Volcano to Eden Roc. Communications between the two subdivisions have
been initiated. A site visit has been requested of Public Works.
#7 South Lauko Road to Puhala in Fern Acres
Fern Acres subdivision has only one access road. This well populated subdivision would not be
able to evacuate in the event of an emergency. Creation of this one Connectivity Location will
provide a second ingress /egress road for Fern Acres and will also create a safer route to and from
Mountain View School. The Fern Acres Community Association has already begun work with
their County Representative and the Department of Public Works to complete the surveys and
feasibility studies needed to begin construction on this project.
#24, #29 Railroad Connection between Hawaiian Beaches /Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park, and
its alternate, Old Government Beach Road.
The Subcommittee received a letter in May 2014 from Gail Armand expressing concern about the
consequences to lower Puna should Highway 130 be blocked by a lava flow. She wondered what
planning was underway to deal with the potential hazard and proposed several solutions.
Members of the Action Committee and community members have investigated the possibility of
constructing the Connection Locations of Railroad and Old Government Beach Road. Both
present significant obstacles that include community opposition, crossing Hawaiian homelands,
construction in the inundation zone (Old Government Beach Zone) to mention a few. These
Connectivity Locations must remain as options in the event that Madame Pele makes them
necessary.
#26 Pulelehua to Pohaku
Sherri Carden provided comment on this Connectivity Location stating that the roads are in a
flood zone and that they would be subject to serious flooding in heavy rains. Should this CL be
constructed, it would require significant infrastructure to deal with the potential for flooding. Ms.
Carden expressed support for the Connectivity Location. Is an alternate possible?
#46 & #47 Kaohe Homesteads: North Road to Cemetary Road & Alaneo Road to Hwy 130
When the lava flowed over Apa'a Road it left Kaohe Homesteads with only their back way in and
out. This route was also circuitous. The County has reported that re- opening Apa'a Road is a
high priority. Needs monitoring.
Communication No. 2015 -24.1
#28 Orchidland Blvd. to Koloa Maoli (9 Road)
It has been reported that the lot required to make this Connectivity Location possible has a house
on it and therefore it is not a viable Connectivity Location. Is there an alternative Connectivity
Location.
#31 Kamoamoa to One Ele
A petition has been received from residents in Sea View Estates stating that this Connectivity
Location would not be welcomed by Sea View Estates Residents as it would bring much
unwanted traffic into their subdivision. Considering the community opposition to this
Connectivity Location, its status will likely be downgraded and removed from current
consideration.
#36 Wright Road to Stainback.
The Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency Response received a letter (dated May 22,
2014) from William Aila of DLNR to the PCDP outlining the undesirable impacts on forest
preserves should a road be constructed. A response letter was sent out in June acknowledging the
expressed concerns and stating that the subcommittee agrees that this proposed connection
presents many environmental concerns. It was explained that the Subcommittee's mandate is to
present ALL suggested connections and to investigate and respond to comments from the
community.