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Based on traffic and archeological studies, several engineering plans were presented, which included street widening, turn lanes, pedestrian shoulders, bike lanes and curb, gutter and planter strips.

Residents said the roadways need improvements and efforts to alleviate the morning, evening and school-time traffic congestion.

Many of the residents in attendance from Makawao were concerned about the condemnation of their property to effect such changes. Plans include acquiring approximately 15 feet of private property along the south side of Makani Road and both sides of Makawao Avenue near the Makani Road intersection.

Some residents voiced concerns about the County acquiring private property on Makawao Avenue to put in a median strip. Others felt the sidewalks might be a good idea, but the bike lanes could be omitted so that private property owners would not lose a portion of their land. A number of residents questioned whether the proposed changes would actually help the traffic flow, while others were enthusiastic and felt the roadwork was long overdue.

Appraisals would be made for the fair market value of any properties affected, including homeowner improvements such as walls or fencing, according to county officials. The proposed plans would also necessitate moving water meters, telephone poles and fire hydrants.

“Makawao is a special place, and we have to accommodate traffic, but the county must be very careful going forward on doing improvements,” said Makawao resident Pat Borge. ”They should find a way to get around Makawao for those people just driving through to get to Kokomo or Kaupakalua or that area—like the Pā‘ia bypass.”

County Public Works Director Milton Arakawa stated it would take several years to see the proposed plans completed. The costs must be drafted into the county budget and approved by the County Council, and the affected private property issues would be addressed in 2010. Federal monies are also available to cover part of the costs.

The project is estimated to start in the summer of 2011; however, no estimate was made on how long it would take to complete the project until the scope of the required improvements is determined.

“I’d like to thank the Department of Public Works for coming out into the community and appreciate the department getting input,” Makawao-Ha‘ikū-Pā‘ia County Councilmember Mike Molina stated. “I anticipate that these designs may need adjustment. I encourage the public’s statements on the affected areas. Obviously there is a definite need for sidewalks, but at the same time, we need to be sensitive to the concerns for homeowners.”

The Draft Environmental Assessment for Makawao Avenue and Makani Road Improvements can be found at http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov.

The public is encouraged to comment by Nov. 29. Comments may be mailed to: Department of Public Works Director Milton M. Arakawa, 200 South High St., Wailuku, HI  96793.

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