April Aiea/Pearl City Town Meeting - Transportation Issues
Nearly 70 community members of different ages gathered at Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria to receive updates on the latest Kamehameha Highway Task Force developments on Wednesday, April 25th. Among the crowd were many new faces, including concerned families, senior citizens and public safety officers. Many browsed through the display boards at the back of the room, which were previously featured at Pearlridge Shopping Center. As attendees continued to funnel in, several Task Force members were interviewed by KHON2 newscasters at the back of the room. Sponsored by area legislators, this Aiea/Pearl City Community Town Meeting was held in cooperation with the State Department of Transportation (DOT), the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and Parsons Brinkerhoff.
Barry Fukunaga introduced as the newly elected State Department of Transportation Director
During his opening comments, Representative K. Mark Takai introduced Barry Fukunaga as the newest member of the Kamehameha Highway Task Force. Fukunaga is a gubernatorial nominee who recently was confirmed by the State Senate to serve as the DOT director. After a brief recap of the Task Force's past developments, Representative Takai gave the floor to City and State officials responsible for the updates.
Traffic safety for Pearlridge Shopping Center and Kam Swap Meet area
First on the agenda was a presenation of City officials. Mark Kikuchi, a City Project Manager, informed the attendees of several improvements. More turn lanes were added to the Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street crosswalk between Pearlridge Shopping Center and the Kam Swap Meet. Responding to numerous complaints of congestion, especially on the weekends, the City changed the flow of traffic to allow more cars to turn left at that intersection. Kikuchi also pointed out that the fences were put there to discourage jay walkers from parking at Pearlridge and illegally crossing the road to the Kam Swap Meet. Overall safety and flow of traffic were improved as a result of these changes.
Kaahumanu Street improvements - tow away zones, additional lanes, legalized bus stops
Kikuchi proceeded with a brief discussion of the Kaahumanu Street improvements. Tow away zones, painted turn arrows and an addition of a legalized bus stop are in the making in order to alleviate sever congestion around the right turn lane onto Kamehameha Highway. Kikuchi pointed out that although parking spaces along Kaahumanu would be reduced as a result of these improvements, the overall flow of traffic would become smoother, thus increasing safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Further mauka into the residential area, the shoulder lanes along Kaahumanu (Buzz's Steakhouse area) will be converted into traffic lanes. Motorists are known to drive in the shoulder lane and contribute to the queuing of traffic, so the City decided to alleviate traffic concerns by making these into regular lanes.
Kaahele Street restripping will also commence, adding turn and acceleration lanes that will cater to morning and afternoon traffic.
City Department of Design and Construction's 4 Point Road Program
Next on the agenda was an overthrow of the Localized Rehabilitation of Streets Phase 1 and 2. Representing the City Department of Desgin and Construction, Eugene Lee outlined the 4 Point Road Program, designed to maintain the City roads throughout the state. The four points include:
- First-air resurfacing (inhouse)
- Pothole patching (inhouse
- Major rehabilitation (contract)
- Local rehabilitation (contract)
Currently, the highest priority is given to the rehabilitation projects occurring between Waipio Crestview and Pearl City.
Major rehabilitation construction to being in summer
Pearl City/Aiea residents should be aware of a major rehabilitation project that will commence this summer (estimated at June). The project will take place Kamehameha Highway east of Waimano Home Road and west of Kaahumanu. The contractor will distribute flyers in advance to residents who will be affected by the construction. Motorists are advised to drive with caution along these roads because their vehicle may be splattered with asphalt. There will be no parking along Kaahumanu during the construction period, though roads should remain open. The construction will take place in June on weekdays 8:30am - 3:30pm, excluding holidays (some exceptions), and is estimated to last forty days.
City Pothole Hotline - 768-8480
Parsons Brinkerhoff's Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project
Parsons Brinkerhoff, the private contractor partially responsible for the Task Force developments announced its Oahu Regional Transportation Plan. Among PB's main priorities is traffic congestion relief in high traffic areas, including those covered by the Task Force. The project is in the planning phases, and interested individuals can call 566-2299 to receive regular mailings. Additional information can be found at http://www.honolulutransit.org .
For pothole patching on State roads, please call 831-6714, or the 24-hour Hotline 536-PUKA.