Saddle Road Update,Hokulia Bypass, New Connector Road Opening Up,Hokulia Property Tax Contribution,Federal Stimulus Check Update

I found out a few days ago that the supplemental EIS for the m.m 41.5-Mamalahoa Highway phase of the Saddle Road improvement project should be done by the fall of 2008. If everything goes right, it should be accepted by early 2009.

The reason the SEIS has to be done is because the US Army purchased 23,000 acres of former Parker Ranch land for Stryker training. Thus the alignment of this phase of Saddle Road had to change to minimize the civilian and military traffic interaction.

Interestingly back in 2004 , the US Army expressed no concerns about any military/civilian traffic conflicts.

“Officials dismissed a newly suggested concern that construction of a later phase of the Saddle project could conflict with the Army’s desire to obtain 23,000 acres of Parker Ranch land in the same area.

Pohakuloa commander Lt. Col. Fred Clarke said there would be no conflict because no live firing is planned in the 23,000-acre area.

Smith said the only accommodation that might be necessary would be some underpasses for military vehicles to drive under the highway.”

Here is another example as to why the Hokulia bypass needs to be completed. The Honalo intersection between Highway 180 and Highway 11 has been a bottleneck for years. Especially as of late because people tried to use Highway 180 to avoid the traffic jam on Highway 11. Thus DPW instituted traffic flow changes at this intersection. For a time, there was a police officer there making sure people are following the rules.Then DPW decided to use the honor system. Which obviously did not work.

In my opinion, the only long term solution to relieve traffic congestion in South Kona is the completion of the Hokulia bypass. Robert Thomas, are you listening.

On a positive note, another new connector road will be opening up to help the traffic flow on Hualalai Road.This is a very good news. Especially since the current intersection between Queen Kaahumanu and Hualalai Road is not signalized.The Puapuaanui Street/Queen Kaahumanu highway intersection on the other hand is signalized. So overall this will give the residents of Hualalai Road a safer alternative to get on to Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

It blows my mind that Mayor Kim’s last budget will be topping 400 million. I wonder if he got the memo that we are entering a recession. The county should be looking at reducing the budget, not increasing it.

Someone I know said that Hokulia currently contributes 25% of Hawaii County’s property tax revenue. I pointed out to this person that Hokulia has not been fully built out yet. So its unlikely that 25% figure is accurate. I e-mailed Hawaii County about this seeking clarification. Below is the response I got from William Takaba:

“Aaron,

Mayor Kim asked me to respond to your question about the property taxes paid by the Hokulia project. This is the information obtained from our real property tax division:

The percentage would be 1.58% of the total taxes. This is based on the 2008 assessed values and the previous (2007) tax rates. There would be only a slight change if tax rates changed.

Net Taxable Tax Amount
Total Assessment $29,505,634,549 $230,519,833
Hokulia Assm’ts $435,810,300 $3,639,016

Bill”

Lastly, I found a online tool which will give you a idea when when you will receive your federal stimulus check.There is also a payment schedule which will also give you an idea when you’ll receive your money. I found out that I should be receiving my 600.00 tomorrow. The beauty of direct deposit :).