10-04-2011, 09:00 AM
According to the October 1, 2011 Hawaii Tribune Herald article, “Pahoa Road Project Stalls”, there is one Keaau-Pahoa Road project with a timeline of 24 months and a total cost of $135+ million, covering a total distance of 9+ miles. According to the article, work to be done includes shoulder-lane conversion, widening to four lanes, adding several turn lanes, 5 signal lights, 3 roundabouts, and more.
All within only 24 months.
Really?
Unfortunately, the above article, with misinformation, has contributed to an already confused and frustrating situation.
The article has mixed and mismatched information regarding two separate projects and has presented an inaccurate picture of both projects, in terms of what is being done, how much it costs, and how long it will take to complete.
Information regarding each of these projects can be found in the respective Final Environmental Assessments at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov.
First, there is the Keaau-Pahoa Road, Shoulder Lane Conversion, Keaau Bypass to Shower Drive Project #STP-0130(28).
Total estimated cost: ~$21+ million.
Total distance: 2.3 miles.
Timeline: 24 months.
The second project is the Kea‘au-Pâhoa Road Improvements, Project #STP-0130(27).
Total estimated cost: ~$135+ million.
Total distance: 9+ miles.
Timeline: The Final Environmental Assessment (p. 2-19) states, “The timeline for construction of the Preferred Alternative is still to be determined during the final design phase, and will be dictated by the availability of funds and resources. Construction phasing will start soon after final design, with an expected duration over a longer term. It is expected that construction will address the most immediate safety needs in the earliest phases of construction, with a focus on implementing signals/roundabouts and turn lanes at intersections, along with the access management measures and transit improvements.” And, (p. 2-20): “A Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternative … considers low-cost and low-impact improvements that could be implemented easily and quickly with minimal levels of construction, probably within five years versus a longer-term period for the Preferred Alternative. All the elements of the TSM Alternative have been incorporated into the Preferred Alternative.”
The delay reported in the article is with the Shoulder Lane Conversion project. At issue is a small parcel (0.323 acre) of land owned ‘in common’ by 5,750 owners in Hawaiian Paradise Park Increment One. This parcel is the intersection of Shower Drive and 29th (Poni Moi) Avenue. Highway 130 is already built over it.
As the article indicates, the Keaau-Pahoa Road is very dangerous and is not serving the community well for effective travel. It would be a true community service if the Trib would help rather than confuse, and refrain from publishing such misinformation as in this article.
James Weatherford
All within only 24 months.
Really?
Unfortunately, the above article, with misinformation, has contributed to an already confused and frustrating situation.
The article has mixed and mismatched information regarding two separate projects and has presented an inaccurate picture of both projects, in terms of what is being done, how much it costs, and how long it will take to complete.
Information regarding each of these projects can be found in the respective Final Environmental Assessments at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov.
First, there is the Keaau-Pahoa Road, Shoulder Lane Conversion, Keaau Bypass to Shower Drive Project #STP-0130(28).
Total estimated cost: ~$21+ million.
Total distance: 2.3 miles.
Timeline: 24 months.
The second project is the Kea‘au-Pâhoa Road Improvements, Project #STP-0130(27).
Total estimated cost: ~$135+ million.
Total distance: 9+ miles.
Timeline: The Final Environmental Assessment (p. 2-19) states, “The timeline for construction of the Preferred Alternative is still to be determined during the final design phase, and will be dictated by the availability of funds and resources. Construction phasing will start soon after final design, with an expected duration over a longer term. It is expected that construction will address the most immediate safety needs in the earliest phases of construction, with a focus on implementing signals/roundabouts and turn lanes at intersections, along with the access management measures and transit improvements.” And, (p. 2-20): “A Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternative … considers low-cost and low-impact improvements that could be implemented easily and quickly with minimal levels of construction, probably within five years versus a longer-term period for the Preferred Alternative. All the elements of the TSM Alternative have been incorporated into the Preferred Alternative.”
The delay reported in the article is with the Shoulder Lane Conversion project. At issue is a small parcel (0.323 acre) of land owned ‘in common’ by 5,750 owners in Hawaiian Paradise Park Increment One. This parcel is the intersection of Shower Drive and 29th (Poni Moi) Avenue. Highway 130 is already built over it.
As the article indicates, the Keaau-Pahoa Road is very dangerous and is not serving the community well for effective travel. It would be a true community service if the Trib would help rather than confuse, and refrain from publishing such misinformation as in this article.
James Weatherford