The plans to improve Kalanianaole Highway is of major concern to our community of Waimanalo. The initial discussion began in 1980 and continues to this day. The O'ahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) is a regional plan prepared by the O'ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO). This plan is considered a blueprint for how Hawai'i's highways are planned up to the year 2020.
The 3/28/95 draft plan suggest that Kalanianaole Hwy--Waimanalo Beach Park/Huli Street to Saddle City/Olomana Golf Course be widened to 4 lanes at an estimated cost of $4.2 million. This state project is scheduled for 2006-2020.
In the 1995 session the State appropriated $800,000 from our Capital Improvement Budget for a consultant to plan this project--($800,000 for planning the widening and/or realignment--$160,000 from revenue bonds and $640,000 from federal funds)
Our Waimanalo road was built in 1946 and has been resurfaced many times. However in today's standards, our road is inferior due to inadequate sight distance, pavement width, shoulder width, insufficient lateral clearances and inadequate pedestrian facilities.
Our traffic continues to increase especially on weekends, but is the only solution a four lane highway? I don't think so!
The Waimanalo Neighborhood Board is sending out questionnaires in December. Please let us hear from you. Since you are the experts who drive on our streets daily, where are the trouble spots? What improvements do you think should be made?
Please understand that this road will not be built tomorrow. We will have ample time to discuss amongst ourselves and with the consultant before the plans are finalized.
Aloha,