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I actually met a high ranking state transport official face to face not long ago and asked a about an alternate route. He said there was no provision for one in the state highway master plan, and as gatekeepers for federal money, the DOT would see to it that it would not be federally funded. As he put it, "Our priority in Puna is to complete the 130 improvements. If the county wants to pay for an alternate route, it might get built." Now does anybody think the county is going to cough up somewhere over $100,000,000 to make life occasionally more convenient for Puna commuters? And that $100M is way low to build something all the way to Nanawale as some people want. That would be more like $200M. But by all means keep flogging this lost cause if it makes you feel better.
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They were both closed during Lane. I remember being stuck all night over a rapidly flooding office floor in town.
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as gatekeepers for federal money, the DOT would see to it that it would not be federally funded
Off-topic, but I've long believed that each County should have a direct connection to any Federal funding -- having Oahu make decisions on our behalf just doesn't work.
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OK, let's assume that some magical bypass for the state control over federal road funding materializes. I'll quote myself as to what would happen next, "Now does anybody think the county is going to cough up somewhere over $100,000,000 to make life occasionally more convenient for Puna commuters?" In case you haven't noticed, it's not just Oahu that doesn't give a damn about Puna.
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There won't be any new roadways on this side until Oahu capsizes and sinks into the ocean. Hawaii island will become the new Oahu.
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Surely an alternate route would inevitably lead to Protectors lying down in front of bulldozers and would never even get started.
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does anybody think the county is going to cough up somewhere over $100,000,000
Step 1 - Listening sessions in Keaau, Pahoa, and Volcano
Step 2 - Response to Listening Sessions in Keaau, Pahoa, and Volcano
Step 3 - County forms a planning group
Step 4 - Planning group recommends a study
Step 5 - Study identifies several possible solutions
Step 6 - Solution Sessions held in Keaau, Pahoa, and Volcano
Normally this would be the end of the process, but I'll presume the County chooses a solution. The least costly project is a toll road. To make it affordable, they decide on a charge of 50 cents.
Step 7 - Build the Harry Kim Tollway
Step 8 - It costs 50 cents, so no one uses it.
Step 9 - Since no one uses it, a yellow gate is installed on both ends, like the 2004 lava flow Railroad Emergency Road, and Chain of Craters Road.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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Shipman will lie down on the road for an alternate route.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Are the roads clear now? An hour after 130 opened, my daughter still hadn’t got past pohaku. Came home at 10:30 having spent nearly 4 hrs around Puna
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Today was take the cats to the vet day. Got a text about the accident and decided to take Ainaloa to bypass it. Ha! Took three hours to get to Kea'au, With two very unhappy kitties in the back seat. There is no emoji here that's strong enough...
Certainty will be the death of us.
