02-01-2007, 10:37 AM
At this point in the discussion the exact route of PMAR is undoubtedly very flexible. In Rob's proposal it mostly looks like a straight line out of HPP. If that route encrouches on good ag lands that's a bad option. I would hope this could be corrected. Perhaps arcing east out of HPP toward the views of the shoreline would support the parkway theme and other development. Or directed toward the far less usable pahoehoe lands, whatever make the most sense.
The most fundamental requirement for any alternative routes, in my opinion, is removing traffic from 130. Alternative routes that put HPP or Orchidland traffic on to 130 only to take it off closer to Hilo are not helpful. So the change I would suggest for Rob's plan is to put a road from Orchidland to the parkway with a light controlled intersection at Orchidland Drive providing access in order to channel traffic on to the alternate route.
The most fundamental requirement for any alternative routes, in my opinion, is removing traffic from 130. Alternative routes that put HPP or Orchidland traffic on to 130 only to take it off closer to Hilo are not helpful. So the change I would suggest for Rob's plan is to put a road from Orchidland to the parkway with a light controlled intersection at Orchidland Drive providing access in order to channel traffic on to the alternate route.