Notes from the HPP Roads Meeting - The beginning of the meeting set the tone. It was said noted that HPP has opened its hearts to its neighbors. While a lot of people have asked questions and voiced concerns, not one person has said that we should turn our backs on lower Puna. Priorities are that there needs to be uninterrupted services, communications and access. These include health care, legal services, housing, electricity, communications, moving/storage, transportation and other necessary services. If the highway is blocked, Railroad will be the primary route back to Hwy 130. Railroad is now broken through to HPP. Route will be Nanawale to Beaches to HPP. It is not expected nor recommended to use Beach as the road is much narrower and will be slower. It’s in place in the case of Railroad being blocked. The goal is that Maku’u will be the only main route. They will be setting up traffic counters to determine how much traffic actually comes from Ainaloa. This will help determine how to set up the Maku’u intersection. Photos of the planned intersection were shown. They want to make it as user-friendly as possible. In my opinion, it’s a big improvement over what we have now. The statement was made that the lava is not a threat to HPP. There was a discussion of non-residents using other roads. They’re thinking of using signs, not barricades, but nothing is confirmed yet. They’re looking at borrowing portable traffic lights from the state for the Railroad/Maku’u and Maku’u/130 intersections. These will likely start as a 4-way red flashing stop, then change to red/yellow/green once traffic patterns are observed. When asked about turning from side streets on to Maku’u, the response was to “Live Aloha.” Hopefully, that’s what will happen. Bus routing was discussed as well as times. From Nanawale to Kahakai would be approx. 20 min and from Kahakai to Maku’u – 20-40 min depending on traffic. Our existing bus route in HPP will remain the same as it is currently. Due to equipment failures (vandalism wasn’t mentioned) it’s likely that Railroad won’t be ready by 9-24 but will be pushed back a few days. Question was raised about the type of gate that would be used to block traffic until the road was opened. His response was “Rock gate!” Question raised as to whether there would be street lights for the road. Response – “What?! You don’t have lights?” After a lot of laughs, he said that they would look in to it. Dust control? There would be a water truck to help keep dust down. Speed bumps for Beach? 17th? Maybe… If flow stops, what will happen with Beach and Railroad? Back to closed. If Geothermal closes, how will they remove the hazardous material stored there? They may be using the emergency routes, but should have enough warning that things will be moved before then. Is Chain of Craters Road viable? From the side of the room, Mayor Kenoi emphatically stated “YES!!!” Noted that the average slope from the highway to the ocean is 2-3 degrees. Once the highway is crossed, lower Puna will NOT be cut off. They are not going to wait around and discuss things, they are going to get things done. Any move to dedicate Maku’u to the county? Haven’t heard of any. Is there an alternate route for electricity? Helco has committed to uninterrupted power. They are looking at timely solutions. Will HPP be liable for any accidents that may happen on our roads? Indemnification to HPP is included in the Disaster Proclamation. Has water transportation been discussed? Boat tour operators have come forward. It wouldn’t be fast and likely costly, but is being discussed. Condition of Maku’u – County is responsible for the road being in at least the same condition as it is now. Potholes, etc. would be fixed. Possibility of grading, expanding shoulders. Police Reports – For now, the police presence is status quo with 8 hour shifts. There will be an increased presence in Pahoa area. Plans are in effect for both police and supporting personnel to add to shifts (12 hrs) as needed. Other areas will join our local police. The primary concern of the police is PEOPLE! Property can be replaced, people can’t, so the focus is on community safety. People first! National Guard will be on the ground within 24 hours of impact. Schools – Information is being sent home to parents. Requirement for additional students would be about 20,000 sq ft of space. Portable classrooms and tents (if necessary) would be used to accommodate the students. Diversion – unknown where the lava may be underground, where tubes feed, etc., so besides cultural history, any attempt to divert may not be effective. Nothing was said about the rumored plan to create a trench across the highway. Existing highway construction on 130 by transfer station – They are trying to expedite, but at least meet the timeline on completion. Railroad is state-owned from HPP to Beaches. It’s Forestry from Beaches and Bishop to Nanawale. Postal services – Will continue as best as they can. They will continue to provide service, but may need to be from a different area. After the meeting, I spoke with Mayor Kenoi and asked him the question that hadn’t been asked at the meeting. Many have requested that Railroad be opened all the way to Hilo. Is there any possibility of that happening? His response was that “All options are on the table.” Property is owned by Shipman, but they may have to open depending on how things work out. NOTE: He did NOT say that they would be opening it, only that it was an option if necessary. Videos of the meeting are posted here - youtu.be/fc1k_ywvwhM youtu.be/9RK9JTwxlWU
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 20:01:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015