The Kona Blog

A few weeks ago I found this blog entry explaining in detail the funding mechanisms for the ongoing Saddle Road improvement project.I’m mentioning about this because it seems there is some people who are unclear how this roadway project is being funded.

It is my understanding that the DAR funding can be used only for areas within the Pohakuloa Training Area. So it is likely that the 6(5) phase may be last phase that will qualify for this funding.

The other phases aside from m.m 28-35 (Which was funded with DAR funds, it will be mix of State, FHWA funds. As far as I recall that’s how the m.m 19-28 was funded. Money originally allocated to Alii Parkway was obligated to this phase.

I got word today that construction on the Palani Road-Kealaka’a Street intersection re-alignment will be resuming.

“Contractors will resume work on the Palani Road detour beginning Monday, September 29, now that the transfer of phone lines to the new utility poles is completed.

Construction work on improvements to the intersections of Palani Road and Kealaka`a and Palihiolo streets has been on hold since March while redesign work on a detour road was completed, and three utility poles were relocated.

Under the redesign plan, traffic will be temporarily diverted from Palani Road through a short section of the new Kealaka`a extension. It will continue another 800 feet makai before merging back on to the existing Palani Road.

The detour road will allow construction for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Palani Road at Palihiolo Street (one of two entrances into Lili`uokalani Subdivision) and realigning Kealaka`a at Palani Road.

These improvements will alter the flow of traffic at the current intersection of Palani Road and Kealaka`a. Presently motorists using Kealaka`a can turn right or left onto Palani Road, and motorists heading mauka on Palani Road can turn left onto Kealaka`a. When the extension is completed, only motorists heading makai on Palani Road can make right turns at this intersection.

The project, which began in June 2007, was originally projected to be completed in 18 months. A new completion date in 2009 has not been determined. The redesign was estimated to cost $100,000 and take 90 days to complete.

The entire project is estimated to exceed $6 million, and 80% is funded by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA). Hawaii taxpayers will pay 20% of the total cost. The delay does not affect the Federal funding.”

I found out more about Jacoby Development scuttling their Kona Kai Ola project.There is a possibility that the project may move forward on the surrounding 200 acres of Department of Hawaiian Homelands property.Especially since DHHL is owed $358,500 in outstanding lease rent and at this point has no intention of letting Jacoby break their lease with them.

This Hawaii Free Press article blaming the Hawaiian activists for forcing Molokai Ranch to shutdown really drives me crazy.

Molokai Ranch’s proposal to build 200 McMansion’s at La’au Point was simply ridiculous. It would’ve permanently changed Molokai negatively forever. On top of that, there was simply not enough water to support a massive project of this scale there. It would’ve siphoned off water from farmers on the central and east sides of the island. I really don’t think Andrew Walden (or anyone who criticizes how this turned) fully grasps this.

Lastly, I found out that Grace Pacific was awarded the contract to resurface the Malulani Gardens to Lako Street segment of Queen Kaahumanu Highway .However there is no timetable for commencement of construction.