On Thursday, October 18, 2012 the County of Hawai`i Leeward Planning Commission will consider a Special Management Area (SMA) permit application by the County Department of Public Works to the extension of La`aloa Avenue as a two-lane, 60-foot wide collector roadway for approximately 1,900 feet to connect with Kuakini Highway.
The County had considered several alternative designs. The selected alternative calls for sidewalks and bike lanes. Peoples Advocacy Trails Hawaii (PATH) has issued a statement saying that geographical challenges will preclude some bicyclists and pedestrians from the effective use of this extension if not addressed through appropriate design. They also said PATH supports Guiding Principle #2 in the Kona Community Development Plan, which provides for connectivity and transportation choices, which are being provided by the extension of La’aloa. Proponents of extending the road point out it will add a much-needed mauka-makai connector for everyday use and use in evacuations when necessary.
The public is invited to the meeting on Thursday, October 18, 9:30 a.m., at West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building G (the building closest to the ocean).
