A consulting firm based in Honolulu has been selected to lead a significant study aimed at exploring alternative access routes into Puna, Hawaii. Wilson Okamoto Corp. was awarded the $2.5 million contract in May 2023, with the work expected to be completed by December 2026. The initiative is funded by both state and county resources and aims to enhance emergency preparedness, mitigate traffic congestion, and reduce commute times for residents.
According to Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, the study will include comprehensive planning, civil engineering, and transportation engineering services. The firm will evaluate both mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) corridors as potential alternatives to the heavily trafficked Highway 130. “The study’s purpose is to evaluate and develop feasible alternative route options to enhance transportation access, reduce congestion and improve emergency evacuation routes,” Kierkiewicz explained in an interview.
Study Objectives and Community Engagement
The project will define and analyze three mauka and three makai route alternatives, considering factors such as land use, natural resource conservation, engineering feasibility, and community priorities. Proposed routes must also avoid properties under the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and comply with regulatory requirements.
Community engagement is a crucial aspect of the study. A steering committee composed of county officials and community leaders will oversee the project, ensuring that local voices are heard. At least three public informational meetings will be organized to solicit feedback and provide updates on the study’s progress.
State Representative Greggor Ilagan of Puna highlighted the importance of building on previous planning efforts, specifically referencing the 2005 Puna Regional Circulation Plan. “I want to ensure that the study we contract out has a provision to determine the best route without duplicating past efforts,” he stated. Ilagan also emphasized the need for a phased construction approach, suggesting that breaking the project into manageable segments would facilitate implementation. “It’s going to be very hard to build this road all at once,” he noted.
Stakeholder Accountability and Future Considerations
Ilagan expressed concerns about ensuring that the funding secured for the study is utilized effectively. “We work hard to secure this funding, and we want to make sure it’s not just wasteful spending,” he said. He also called for state participation in the planning process, insisting that state officials be included in the steering committee to ensure active involvement in discussions.
Kierkiewicz reflected on the project’s significance for Puna residents, emphasizing the community’s reliance on a single access route for far too long. “A single corridor leaves us vulnerable when accidents or disasters strike,” she remarked. Recent natural disasters have underscored the urgent need for alternative routes and enhanced regional infrastructure. “I’m grateful to see the county and state collaborating on this long overdue effort and am hopeful that together, we can identify positive, lasting solutions to improve safety, access, and quality of life for Puna residents,” she concluded.
This study is anticipated to be a crucial step towards increasing resilience and connectivity for the Puna community, which has faced challenges due to its limited transportation options. As the project progresses, the focus will remain on finding effective solutions that prioritize safety and community needs.