Public Meeting for the proposed Kapi‘olani Street Extension set for June 6

The Department of Public Works is conducting a public information meeting Wednesday, June 6 at the Aupuni Center Conference room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo to gather comments for a draft Environmental Assessment that will connect Kapi‘olani Street between Lanikāula and Mohouli Streets.  Displays of the project are on view at 6:00 PM followed by a presentation at 6:30 PM. 

Extending Kapi‘olani Street 0.5-mile will provide an alternate emergency evacuation route; improve traffic flow on Kīlauea Avenue, Kino‘ole Street, and the surrounding streets; and accommodate bike and pedestrian travel.  Construction plans may include drainage improvements, utility installation, and relocation, traffic signals at two intersections and a concrete bridge across Waiākea Stream.  The Environmental Assessment will assess impacts and identify mitigation measures for this project.  

 For information, special accommodations, auxiliary aid, and/or services to participate in this meeting, (i.e., sign language interpreter, large print), please call (808) 961-8321.

Crosswalk flags for busy intersections

Drivers are taking notice at the intersection of Lindsey Road and Māmalahoa Highway in Waimea, thanks to bright orange crosswalk flags.

The crosswalk flags are part of a pilot program by the County to increase visibility of pedestrians at busy intersections.

Black flag receptacles were installed on four corners, and pedestrians are encouraged to carry the orange crosswalk flags as they cross the street.

Janine Rees, a volunteer with the South Kohala Traffic Safety Council who launched the pilot program a week before Thanksgiving said, “there are unintended positives; fluorescent flags on four corners appear to slow down the driver.  We thought a marketing campaign was needed, but the community has learned to take a flag, cross the street and replace it back in the holder.”

Flag receptacles were installed at the intersections of Ali‘i drive and Hualālai, and Hualālai and Kuakini hwy in North Kona.

Crosswalk flag programs are planned for Hilo at Kamehameha ave, and Haili street, at Pauahi street, and in Waikoloa Village at the intersection of Paniolo and Waikoloa rd.

Crosswalk flags or pedestrian flags is used by pedestrians in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kirkland, and Wallingford, Washington.

The traffic division is supplying the flags during the pilot program.

New building code is in effect March 28

Chapter 5 in the Hawai‘i County Code pertaining to building adopts the International Building Code 2006 Edition and State Building Code with County amendments.  The ordinance is in effect March 28, 2012.

Printed copies are available at the Hawai‘i County Clerk’s office for $5.00.  Please call 961-8255 for information.

To access chapter 5 in the Hawai‘i County Code click on http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-file-review/files/county-code/chapter05.pdf

Staff training next week will affect permit applications

February 27 to March 1 the department of Public Works Building division staff will be trained on a new permit software system.  Offices will remain open, and staff will be available; however, on February 27 & 29, permit applications intake will be suspended.

Closure Details:Kona, West Hawai‘i Civic Center
Monday, February 27, 7:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Hilo, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. Suite 7
Wednesday, February 29, 7:45 A.M. -12:00 P.M.

The web portal will provide real time tracking of the status of permit applications and inspections to the public.

Ka‘ū District Gym and Shelter Draft Environmental Assessment available for public review and comment

(Hilo, HI) The Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works published the Ka‘ū District Gym & Shelter draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment.  Printed copies are also available at Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala public libraries. The draft EA is available on the State Office of Environmental Quality Control website,

http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/Environmental_Notice/current_issue.pdf

The Ka‘ū District Gym & Shelter will be a new gymnasium, multi-purpose recreational facility and emergency shelter  It will be located on the Ka‘ū High and Pāhala Elementary School campus; operated and maintained by County of Hawai’i Department of Parks & Recreation for the community.

In November, residents shared with the County Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation their thoughts for a facility that would expand recreational and athletic opportunities and serve as a destination for community events.  The existing school gym is old; too small for the wider range of athletic, school and community needs, and does not provide hardened shelter features proposed for the new district gym and shelter.  In December, residents participated in a two-day design charrette.

Construction for the $16.9 facility is expected to begin in fall 2012 and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

Public comments must be submitted by mail or fax during the 30-day public comment period, February 23 through March 23, 2012 to:

Tammy Kapali, Planner
PBR HAWAII & Associates, Inc.
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 521-5631
Fax: (808) 523-1402

And

County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works
ATTN: David Yamamoto                 
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8321
Fax: (808) 961-8630