During this rainy spring season, traffic congestion and constant construction on Kam Highway is foremost in our thoughts. Discussed at last night at the March Aiea/Pearl City town meeting, your local area legislators in conjuction with the State Department of Transportation, the City Department of Transportation Services, and Parsons Brinckerhoff have plans in place for substantial improvements to take place over the following year.
The evening started at 7pm at Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria. Despite the heavy rain and flooding, the turnout at the meeting was substantial. First on the agenda was the City Department of Transportation Services. Highlighted in their presentation were two planned traffic solutions:
- Moanalua Road / Waimano Home Road/ Kuala Street improvements - plans to start in summer with construction lasting approximately 8 months.
- Moanalua Road/ Kaonohi Street improvements - Funds through Councilman Okino and plan/design by Fukunaga. The addition of a 4'6" green vinyl clad c/l median barrier and a left turn lane on Kaonohi Street. Exclusive left and right lanes with 2 thourough lanes on Moanalua Road. Construction will extend the no-parking restrictions and will begin in a couple months, ending before the holidays.
Following DTS, Alan Fujimori of Belt Collins Hawaii Ltd. prepared an hour-long presentation regarding the Kam Highway Beautification Project. Through the Kam Highway Task Force, headed by the State Department of Transportation liason, Scott Ishikawa in conjunction with the area legislators, the Aiea and Pearl City Neighborhood Boards, the Pearl City and Aiea Community Associations, Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, the Outdoor Circle, and various Historic Sites in the district, a landscaping master plan has been fleshed out and is supported by all involved groups. With the intention of creating an aesthetically pleasing, yet safe, useable, and accessible Kam Highway by residents and visitors alike, the proposed plan will create a sense of belonging and emphasize the rich history of our district. Additionally, the master plan goes hand-in-hand with the future mass-transit project.
Also, Kevin Ho of Belt Collin Hawaii Ltd. in conjunction with Parsons Brinckerhoff had plans for the Ka'ahumanu Street and Hekaha Street intersection. Plans are set for approval today (March 31, 2006) to implement two new traffic lights for Blaisdell Park and Ka'ahumanu Street. During this time, they will also be making adjustments to the traffic light timing. They request the input of the community should there be additional inconveniences by these changes. Lastly, Parsons Brinckerhoff are also implementing a Corridor Signal Optimization plan to reduce waiting time and improve traffic progression. Data collection starts on April 11th and with plans to start the optimization plan at the end of the year.
Finally, the State Department of Transportation ended the meeting with their brief presentation regarding the H-1 widening, Waimalu Gardens update, and the Aiea Access Road repaving projects. Unfortunately, due to the weather (6 weeks of cleanup rather than construction) and plans to repair the viaduct strip all the way into town, construction will end (possibly) in June. DOT Director Rod Haraga announced a plan to test five different pavement materials in 100 foot patches for up to 90 days to determine the best material for the job. The blasting sounds disturbing residents over the past weeks should no longer be heard as the construction team has changed from beads to water.
The Aiea Access Road repaving on Moanalua to Aloha Stadium starts in April and will continue through October and November. The circle ramp will experience 3 weekend closures during this time (but football weekends were promised open!) (See the attached PDF of the affected areas.)
The Department of Transportation stressed numerous times the necessity to voice your concern regarding the construction and current damage to the roads. Please keep these numbers handy and call them when you see or experience problems arising:
- H -1 Widening Hotling - 587-6316
- Director Rodney Haraga, Deparment of Transportation - 587-2150
- James Toma, Department of Health (Noise, Radiation and Indoor Air Quality Branch) - 586-4700
- Pothole Hotline - 536-PUKA (7852)
If you feel uncomfortable calling these numbers, feel free to call my office and we can forward your concerns to the proper authorities.
And last, but not least, the next town meeting will be held on April 10th, 7pm at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. This meeting, concerning Junior Kindergarden and other early-education issues is spearheaded by Senator Norman Sakamoto and Representative Roy Takumi. Check back at davidige.org as more information is made public!