WHT’s Article On Upcoming West Hawaii Roadway Infrastructure Projects Had Several Inaccuracies

I spotted several inaccurate statements in this WHT article regarding the realignment of the western portion of Saddle Road.

“DOT is working on the rerouting and construction of the westernmost leg of Saddle Road. The Army has selected alternate route W-7, which branches off mile marker 47 and links up with Mamalahoa Highway closer to Waikoloa Road, as the best option.

The public may weigh in on the project, as well as review the supplemental environmental impact statement in the fall. DOT anticipates receiving Record of Decision by the summer. Dependent on Defense Access Road Program funding, the project’s design could be completed at the year’s end and construction may begin in 2012, Morioka said.”

The W-7 alignment actually begins at m.m 42, not m.m 47 and will terminate approximately by m.m 14 (about three miles south of of Waikoloa Junction).

It is my understanding the reporter misquoted Mr. Morioka. He actually was  referring to the proposed Saddle Road extension project between Mamalahoa Highway and Queen Kaahumanu Highway, not the realignment of Saddle Road between m.m 42 and Mamalahoa Highway. In addition, the final ROD for the latter phase has been released as of April 8th, 2010.

Nonetheless, it is certainly great news the HDOT/CFLHD are fast tracking the realignment of the western portion of Saddle Road.

There was an aspect of this letter to the editor regarding school impact fees which I found interesting.

“A consequence of past practice is that school impact fees have already been paid for vacant lots within those developments that have already “made a deal” with the DOE. Lot owners in those developments who go to get a building permit will not be required to pay a school impact fee.

Examples of property for which the fee has already been paid are already-developed lots in the main part of Waikoloa Village, Kahakai, and Kaupulehu, as well as to-be-developed lots in Palamanui, Parker Ranch 2020 subdivisions, and Kula Nei.”

It would be interesting know how many West Hawaii housing developers made prearranged deals with the DOE to pay this impact fee. This would give a better gauge how widespread the negative impact would be on potential home builders. Nevertheless, I still believe this impact fee unfairly targets West Hawaii. The BOE should’ve mandated the fee apply to all new home construction statewide.

(Related item: Board of Education Votes to Designate West Hawaii as a School Impact Fee District)

The legislature did override Governor Lingle’s veto of the barrel tax increase. I know  there will be hell to pay in the upcoming elections due to the legislature’s very shortsighted decision. This increase will result in higher energy costs for every resident in the State of Hawaii.

The final roadway striping on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway extension (between Henry and Lako Street) should be completed by mid- June.

Lastly, Big Island Video News has DWS Manager Milton Pavao’s response to Rep. Herkes concerns about the HOVE water project delays.