HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-23 Letter to Cynthia "Cindy" Orlando re Limited Access - Volcanoes National Park Roads (2)Harry Kim
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July 23, 2018
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Barbara J. Kossow
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25 Aupuni Street,, Suite 2603 • lido, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax (808)961-6553
KONA 74-5044 ,Anc Keoltokalolc Hwy Bldg, C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(80R)323-4444 • Fax (808)323-4440
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Cynthia "Cindy" Orlando, Superintendent
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052
Dear Superintendent Orlando:
Please accept the following request to access Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Roads for
emergency and commuter traffic as an alternative should Highway 11 Become Impassable.
The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation's Highway 11, the main thoroughfare
connecting Ka'Q to Hilo, continues to sustain damage due to seismic events from the collapse of
Kilauea summit affecting the area from mile 28 to 32 of the highway. The County of Hawaii in
an effort to maintain safety and emergency response for community and economic viability of
the region request the following:
• That upon failure of Highway 11, we request limited access through Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park via the Park's internal road system for motor vehicle traffic to circumvent
damaged areas of Highway 11 be allowed for both emergency and routine commuter
traffic.
Emergency Traffic Use: Includes all emergency services, lire, law enforcement, and
emergency medical.
Routine Commuter Traffic Use: All common vehicle traffic routine to transiting
Highway 11 including passenger, service, commercial and hazardous material.
• The request includes the roadways of Crater Rim Drive ("CRD") and all routes that
access CRD from Highway 11. These include Mauna Loa Road, Kilauea Military Camp
(KMC), Main Park Entrance and the Escape Road. The shortest route through the park
would be desired to limit impacts and exposures. The County andior State will also assist
in ensuring that traffic stay only on the designated route without stopping.
Count} of Hawaii is an Equal Opponunity Provider and Employer
Cynthia "Cindy" Orlando, Superintendent
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
July 23, 2018
Page 2 of 2
The need to maintain this valuable connection lifeline to Ka`u for the community cannot be
overstated. The County of Hawai`i requests your consideration as we turn to our partners for
assistance in mitigating the hazards and impacts of the ongoing volcanic events.
Due to the uncertainty and urgency of this event 1 kindly request an expeditious reply.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 961-8211.
HARRY KIM
Mayor
County of Flawai'l is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
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