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Home My WebLink AboutAC-PD 2015-24 CERS Connectivity Report May15 w-support docsWilliamP. Kenoi DuaneKanuha MayorDirector BobbyCommand DeputyDirector CountyofHawai‘i PLANNINGDEPARTMENT PUNACOMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTPLANACTIONCOMMITTEE AupuniCenter 101PauahiStreet, Suite3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 June9, 2015 DuaneKanuha PlanningDirector PlanningDepartment 101PauahiStreet, Suite3 Hilo, HI96720 SUBJECT: ReportandRecommendationsonRoadwayConnectivityLocationsinPuna AlohaDirectorKanuha, TheActionCommitteeofthePunaCommunityDevelopmentPlan, respectfullyrequeststhatthe enclosedreportfromtheConnectivityandEmergencyResponseSubcommittee (CERS) ofthePuna CDPActionCommitteebeforwardedtotheDepartmentofPublicWorksDirector, WarrenLeefor considerationandappropriatefollow-up. Wefurtherrequestthatthisreportbecopiedtothe appropriatemembersofthe CountyCouncilfortheirinformation. Mahaloforyourtime, understandingandsupportofthePunacommunity. Respectfully, PattiPinto, Chair PunaCommunityDevelopmentPlanActionCommittee Encl: CERSAnnualReport Hawai‘iCountyisanEqualOpportunityProviderandEmployer Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee A subcommittee of the Puna Community Development Plan ANNUAL REPORT – MAY 2015 The Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee began working in January of 2013 to gather data on possible road connectivity locations that would improve public safety, allow for emergency access and increase community connections throughout the Puna Districts. We worked over the next two years to collect community input. To this end, working with the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency we created the first and second Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fairs (PREP Fairs). At these Fairs we gathered community input from thousands of Puna Residents establishing where connectivity points were needed, viability, community support/opposition, alternatives, etc. This data was assembled into a report that was submitted to the PCDP and adopted on May 13, 2014. Since this report, Tropical Storm Iselle and the June 27, 2014 lava flow have also created multiple emergency response and evacuation, as well as everyday challenges to movement throughout the Puna District. Considering input since the last report and acts of nature, our number one priority for implementation is to create an alternate route in Upper Puna from Volcano to Highway 130. With population increasing at the highest rates in the State along the Upper Puna Highway 11 corridor, we see it as crucial that we address the reality that there is no way to travel parallel to Highway 11 without running into existing obstructions in that there are no connections between the subdivisions. The decision to connect these subdivisions is documented in the Puna Community Development Plan, 2008, with the intention of the County of Hawaii receiving community input to determine specifically where and how to connect them. With the Volcanoes National Park being the second most visited site in the State with approximately 3.4 million visitors last year, this additional traffic load challenges both residents and visitors that need to use Highway 11. An alternate, parallel, inter-subdivision corridor will relieve the daily use of this 2-lane highway that services so many. The Upper Puna connectivity priorities are grouped as one as we see it as essential that an entire through route be completed as well as two additional roads to connect our parallel route with Highway 11. Puna Uka Priorities • Kaleponi to Punahele (Fern Forest – Eden Roc) • Punahele to Apele (Eden Roc – Kopua Farm Lots) • Waimako O Pele to Orchid (Kopua Farm Lots – Fern Acres) • Orchid to Uhiniana (Fern Acres – Hawaiian Acres) • Pulelehua to Pohaku (Hawaiian Acres – Orchidland) • Alula to 40th (Hawaiian Acres – Orchidland) • Complete South Lauko Road into Fern Acres • Complete South Oshiro Road into Eden Roc Estates • (Recommendation County improve intersection of 40th and Orchidland) These Connectivity Locations are recommendations. If one is found not to be viable, another alternative connection will be suggested. Puna Waena Priorities The lava activity has provided the impetus for the State and County to open connecting roads between Nanawale, Hawaiian Beaches and Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park. Additionally, the Chain of Craters road has been readied for emergency use. The Subcommittee recommends that the Railroad emergency road be open on a 24/7 basis. We recognize that this puts a strain on the Hawaiian Paradise Park roadways and recommend that the County negotiate with HPPOA to come to an agreement on financial assistance for road maintenance or to assume ownership of a roadway that is used by the general public as an alternate to Highway 130. We also recommend that a study be initiated to open a connection between Hawaiian Paradise Park and the Kea’au Bypass junction area. • Permanently open Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park • Initiate a viability study to create a road between HPP (Railroad) and Milo Road Puna Kai Priorities In tandem with our recommendation that Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park we recommend that the new emergency access route connecting Nanawale Estates to Hawaiian Beaches/Shores be open on a 24/7 basis. We recognize that few people who are not residents of these subdivisions will choose to use this route as an alternate for Highway 130, that it would be used primarily by local residents to travel between the subdivisions and also to provide emergency ingress/egress. We also recommend that an alternate route into and out of Nanawale Estates be created to Highway 130 on the Forest Road right of way. When the lava covered Apa’a Road at the Cemetery in Pahoa it blocked the main access for residents of Kaohe Homesteads. We understand that the County intends to re-open this road and recommend that this project be implemented as soon as possible as the Kaohe residents are left with only one ingress/egress route and that one is circuitous. • Permanently open Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Nanawale Estates • Connect Nanawale Estates to Highway 130 on Forest Road • Re-open Apa’a Road where it is covered with lava Summary The Puna Community Development Plan Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency Response (CERS) remains dedicated to continuing our work to implement these points of connectivity that are so urgently needed in Puna. Both the public and emergency service providers need to have better access, safer routes to schools, social and community connectivity and alternate routes in and out of subdivisions. These projects must not be deferred. We need to create partnerships with the County and the Puna communities to bring these connections into reality. COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO CONNECTIVITY LOCATION PROPOSALS Critical, viable, level of service oriented input regarding criteria May 2013 to April 2015 #3, #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. #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. 6/3/2015 MAPPING DATA CONNECTIVITY LOCATION PRIORITY LIST Puna Uka page 1 CL#Map #Subdivision/Community Connectivity Issue TOTALS Number of People Served Connect to County Road Open 24/7 Meet AASHTO guidelines Little or No Community opposition Improve traffic circulation No major drainage issues Health Safety & Emergency Education Technical Social Issues Non- vehicular transpor- tation Mass Transit Land Use Environ- ment No/Low Impact Design Safe Routes to Schools Community Alliances Short Term Actions to long term projects NOTES AND GUIDE TO CRITERIA WEIGHTING 0 = unknown or not applicable 1= does not address 2= slightly addresses 3= addresses 4 = strongly addresses 5 = very strongly addresses PUNA UKA 1 1 Ohia, Mauna Loa, Hawaii Orchid Island & Royal Hawaiian Estates Road acrosss Shipman Land to connect the two blocks of subdivisions, between Alaohia and Lehuapele, or a location to be determined by Shipman 48 4 1 5 0 3 5 4 4 3 3 1 2 3 2 4 4 2 1 Orchid Island Estates Open Lehuanani to Glenwood 36 3 3 3 0 3 3 0 4 2 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 1/8 mile connector, allows egress for N. Glenwood Rd and Orchid Isle Estates 3, 19, 41 3/4 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Kaleponi Road connect with Punahele between Ananaualani & Ohia 48 3 1 3 0 2 5 5 5 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 4 3 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Omeka Road connect with Painui St. between Alanaualani and Ohia 43 3 1 3 0 2 4 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 6 4 Hawaiian Acres Complete Enos Road to Old Volcano Trail, Ao & Kea Rds in Hawaiian Acres 57 4 3 3 0 3 5 3 5 5 3 3 5 4 4 3 4 gives many residents additional access to highway 7 4 Fern Acres Complete South Lauko Road from Highway 11 in Mountain View to Puhala in Fern Acres 61 5 3 3 0 5 5 1 5 5 4 5 3 2 5 5 5 access to school, park, gym, alternate school bus route, second road out of FA 8 4 Fern Acres Complete S. Pszyk Road from Highway 11 in Mountain View to Puhala in Fern Acres 52 4 3 5 0 3 3 1 4 4 4 4 3 2 4 4 4 only to be considered as an alternative to S. Lauko 9 4 Fern Acres/Kopua Farmlots Connect between Fern Acres and Kopua Farm Lots on Anthurium 36 3 1 3 0 2 2 3 3 2 4 1 3 2 1 3 3 a lower priority to connections on Orchid or Gardenia 10 4 Hawaiian Acres/Keaau Ag Lots Connect 40th to Ipuaiwa Hia Rd. in Keaau Ag Lots 34 3 1 3 0 2 2 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 lower priority 12 4 Pacific Paradise/Glenwood Connect N. Oshiro Road to Peck Road-at top border of subdiv. To connect to Peck Rd.41 3 3 3 0 2 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 13 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connect on Anthurium between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres 42 3 1 3 0 3 3 3 4 3 3 1 3 3 2 3 4 14 4 Fern Acres/Kopua Farmlots Connect Puhala from Fern Acres to Kopua Farm Lots 53 4 1 3 0 3 5 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4 15 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connectivity between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres on Orchid 48 4 1 3 0 2 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 16 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connectivity between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres on Rose 44 3 1 3 0 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 17 4 Fern Acres/Kopua Farmlots Connectivity between Kopua Farmlots and Fern Acres on Orchid 45 2 1 3 0 2 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 4 18 4 Fern Acres/Kopua Farmlots Connectivity between Kopua Farmlots and Fern Acres on Gardenia 43 2 1 3 0 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 20 4 Eden Roc Estates Open up Akala to Kopua Farmlots 33 3 1 3 0 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 Redundant 21 4 Eden Roc Estates South Oshiro Road, complete connection to Kahikopele (Old Volcano Trail) Eden Roc 46 2 3 3 0 3 4 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 22 1 Aloha Estates Connectivity between Punahele and Kopua Farmlots 43 2 1 3 0 3 3 4 4 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 4 34 1 Golf Course Connect bertween Keauhou Bird Ctr. Rd. to Mahiai 37 3 1 2 0 4 1 4 5 1 4 1 3 2 1 3 2 Concerns: crosses ranch land, national park, may need cattle grates 35 1 Golf Course Connect between Pi'I Mauna and Tree Molds 38 3 3 2 0 4 3 4 5 1 3 1 3 2 1 2 1 36 1 Volcano Village Continue Wright Rd. (State 148) to Stainback 46 4 5 4 5 1 3 4 5 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 5 Concerns: route crosses national park & ranch land, threatens native forest preserves. Stainback needs safety improvements, 37 1 Volcano Village Connect Io Place to Maile Rd 34 1 1 5 5 4 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 38 1 Volcano Village Connect Haunani to Ainahou (apparent easement toward mauka end)34 1 1 5 5 4 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 42 3 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Connect Leila Rd. to Ahi Ave.43 4 1 5 0 2 4 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 2 Concerns: liability on private roads, shared maintenance of private roads 43 3 Fern Forest Open Kahikopele between Eden Roc and Fern Forest *3 3 *consider as trail, not road, old Volcano Trail 43 3 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Connect from Alanaulani Rd to Kahikopele 41 3 1 5 0 2 4 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 3 2 2 Concerns: liability on private roads, shared maintenance of private roads 44 1 Ohia Estates Connect Old Volcano Rd. to Hwy. 11 38 2 5 5 5 5 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 Convenience connection, not necessity 45 1 Royal Hawaiian Estates Connect Old Volcano Rd. with Ali'I Anela and Ali'I Koa to Hwy 11 39 3 5 5 5 5 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 Convenience connection, not necessity 2010 Census Population Numbers Ainaloa 2,965 Eden Roc 942 Fern Acres 1,504 Fern Forest 931 Hawaiian Acres 2,700 Hawaiian Beaches/Shores 4,280 Hawaiian Paradise Park 11,404 Kea'au 2,253 Kurtistown 1,298 Leilani 1,560 Mountain View 3,924 Nanawale 1,426 Orchidland 2,815 Pahoa 945 Volcano Village+Golf Course 2,575 PUNA WAENA 6/3/2015 Mapping data Connectivity Issues page 2 CL#Map #Subdivision/Community Connectivity Issue TOTALS Number of People Served Connect to County Road Open 24/7 Meet AASHTO guidelines Little or No Community opposition Improve traffic circulation No major drainage issues Health Safety & Emergency Education Technical Social Issues Non- vehicular transpor- tation Mass Transit Land Use Environ- ment No/Low Impact Design Safe Routes to Schools Community Alliances Short Term Actions to long term projects NOTES AND GUIDE TO CRITERIA WEIGHTING 0 = unknown or not applicable 1= does not address 2= slightly addresses 3= addresses 4 = strongly addresses 5 = very strongly addresses PUNA WAENA 6 4 Hawaiian Acres Complete Enos Road to Old Volcano Trail, Ao & Kea Rds in Hawaiian Acres 57 4 3 3 0 3 5 3 5 5 3 3 5 4 4 3 4 gives many residents additional access to highway 10 4 Hawaiian Acres/Keaau Ag Lots Connect 40th to Ipuaiwa Hia Rd. in Keaau Ag Lots 34 3 1 3 0 2 2 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 lower priority 13 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connect on Anthurium between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres 42 3 1 3 0 3 3 3 4 3 3 1 3 3 2 3 4 15 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connectivity between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres on Orchid 48 4 1 3 0 2 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 16 4 Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres Connectivity between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres on Rose 44 3 1 3 0 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 23 5 Ainaloa Connect from Ainaloa Blvd. to 40th Ave.41 4 1 3 0 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 4 4 would require right of way across privately held parcel, #1 priority for Orchidland, 2nd route to hwy for Orchidland, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres 24 5 Hawaiian Paradise Park Connection between HPP and Hawaiian Beaches/Shores side (Railroad)50 5 3 3 0 1 5 3 5 3 4 2 3 3 2 4 4 Significant community opposition, also, boulders at HPP border 25 5 Hawaiian Paradise Park Connectivity on Hilo side and midway through HPP (Railroad Ave.)45 5 1 3 0 1 5 3 5 2 4 4 3 2 2 2 3 Significant community opposition, also, boulders at HPP border 26 5 Hawaiian Paradise Park Orchidland from Hawaiian Acres, Connect Pohaku Drive to Pulelehua Road (11 Road)40 4 1 5 0 2 4 1 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 Significant flooding issues, would provide access to two highways 27 5 Orchidland Estates Connecting Pulelehua Road on 40th Ave from Alula (D RD) to Kioele Rd. (E)39 3 1 3 0 2 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 Redundant to #1 & #7 28 5 Orchidland/Hawaiian Acres Koloa Maoli connect with Orchidland 41 3 1 3 0 2 4 3 5 2 2 2 3 2 2 4 3 Concern: shared maintenance from wider public use 39 5 Orchidland Estates 37th in Orchidland could use improvement to improve emergency access 39 3 1 3 0 2 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 48 7 Hawaiian Shores/Beaches-HPP Improve Government Beach Rd. between HS/B & HPP 48 5 5 5 0 3 3 1 4 3 5 1 3 3 1 3 3 2010 Census Population Numbers Ainaloa 2,965 Eden Roc 942 Fern Acres 1,504 Fern Forest 931 Hawaiian Acres 2,700 Hawaiian Beaches/Shores 4,280 Hawaiian Paradise Park 11,404 Kea'au 2,253 Kurtistown 1,298 Leilani 1,560 Mountain View 3,924 Nanawale 1,426 Orchidland 2,815 Pahoa 945 Volcano Village+Golf Course 2,575 6/3/2015 MAPPING DATA CONNECTIVITY LOCATION PRIORITY LIST Puna Kai Volcano Area Page 3 CL#Map #Subdivision/Community Connectivity Issue TOTALS Number of People Served Connect to County Road Open 24/7 Meet AASHTO guidelines Little or No Community opposition Improve traffic circulation No major drainage issues Health Safety & Emergency Education Technical Social Issues Non- vehicular transpor- tation Mass Transit Land Use Environ- ment No/Low Impact Design Safe Routes to Schools Community Alliances Short Term Actions to long term projects NOTES AND GUIDE TO CRITERIA WEIGHTING 0 = unknown or not applicable 1= does not address 2= slightly addresses 3= addresses 4 = strongly addresses 5 = very strongly addresses PUNA KAI 29 6 Hawaiian Shores/Beaches Connection between HPP and Hawaiian Beaches/Shores side (Railroad)54 5 1 5 4 3 5 5 5 2 4 2 3 3 1 2 4 30 8 Puna Palisades Estates Second exit from Kipuka St. to Highway 137 in Puna Palisades 42 3 3 3 4 2 5 5 4 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 2 31 8 Seaview Estates Kamoamoa Road to Highway 130 on the HELCO Power Line 47 3 3 2 4 1 4 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 3 3 4 Petition against CL received from some residents 32 6 Nanawale One additional access road to Hwy 132, Forest Rd.51 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 2 2 1 2 3 3 1 1 46 7 Kaohe Homestead Connect from North Rd. to Cemetary Rd.51 3 5 5 4 4 5 3 5 1 4 1 1 4 3 1 2 County agreed to re-open Apa'a, need to monitor 47 7 Kaohe Homestead Connect from Alaneo Rd. to Hwy 130 43 3 5 5 4 4 3 3 4 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 48 7 Hawaiian Shores/Beaches-HPP Improve Government Beach Rd. between HS/B & HPP 48 5 5 5 0 3 3 1 4 3 5 1 3 3 1 3 3 8 Kehena 6 Vacation Land 6 Kapoho Beach Lots 2010 Census Population Numbers Ainaloa 2,965 Eden Roc 942 Fern Acres 1,504 Fern Forest 931 Hawaiian Acres 2,700 Hawaiian Beaches/Shores 4,280 Hawaiian Paradise Park 11,404 Kea'au 2,253 Kurtistown 1,298 Leilani 1,560 Mountain View 3,924 Nanawale 1,426 Orchidland 2,815 Pahoa 945 Volcano Village+Golf Course 2,575 CL#Map #Subdivision/Community Connectivity Issue PUNA UKA 34 1 Golf Course Connect bertween Keauhou Bird Ctr. Rd. to Mahiai 35 1 Golf Course Connect between Pi'i Mauna and Tree Molds 36 1 Volcano Village Continue Wright Rd. (State 148) to Stainback 37 1 Volcano Village Connect Io Place to Maile Rd 38 1 Volcano Village Connect Haunani to Ainahou (apparent easement toward mauka end) 42 3 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Connect Leila Rd. to Ahi Ave. 43 3 Fern Forest Open Kahikopele between Eden Roc and Fern Forest * 43 3 Fern Forest/Eden Roc Connect from Alanaulani Rd to Kahikopele 44 1 Ohia Estates Connect Old Volcano Rd. to Hwy. 11 45 1 Royal Hawaiian Estates Connect Old Volcano Rd. with Ali'I Anela and Ali'I Koa to Hwy 11 PUNA WAENA 39 5 Orchidland Estates 37th in Orchidland could use improvement to improve emergency access 48 7 HPP/Hawaiian Shores/Beaches Improve Government Beach Rd. between HS/B & HPP PUNA KAI 46 7 Kaohe Homestead Connect from North Rd. to Cemetary Rd. 47 7 Kaohe Homestead Connect from Alaneo Rd. to Hwy 130 48 7 Hawaiian Shores/Beaches-HPP Improve Government Beach Rd. between HS/B & HPP