Important note (update & action needed!):
HDOT presented the proposal to the Mililani Neighborhood Board on March 28th. With over 50 people in attendance, the response was relatively positive. HDOT are conducting a traffic coning study the week of April 2 to measure the traffic flow impacts of improvements. Thank you to everyone that’s been involved. We need more support to make sure this happens.
- Email your support to dotpao@hawii.gov by Sunday 4/8! Something as simple as “I strongly support HDOT’s proposal for safety improvements to create shoulders on Kamehameha Highway through Kipapa Gulch. This is extremely important to the highway safer for bicycling and everyone.” is perfect.
- Save the date 4/25 7:30pm. HDOT will most likely be back at the Mililani Neighborhood Board April 25th 7:30pm to give an update on the traffic study and next steps. If this happens, we’ll need supporters present. Email Daniel@hbl.org if you want to support.
Click here to view HDOT’s presentation.
Let’s Connect Central Oahu
We Need Your Support 3/28 for a Bicycle Friendly Kamehameha Hwy
Summary: The Hawaii Department of Transportation is proposing to create continuous minimum 4 foot shoulders on Kamehameha Hwy through Kipapa Gulch to create a safer bike connection between Mililani and Waipio (read more below). HDOT will be presenting the proposal to the Mililani Neighborhood Board Wednesday March 28th 7:30pm and seeking community feedback. If you want a connected and bikeable Central Oahu, we need you there 3/28! RSVP here to let us know you’re coming and spread the word on Facebook.
Mililani/Waipio Neighborhood Board
WEDNESDAY, 3/28 7:30pm
@ Mililani Waena Elementary, 95-502 Kipapa Dr
More details on the proposal:
- HDOT is proposing safety improvements to Kamehameha Hwy between Ka Uka Blvd and Lanikuhana St. These include:
- create continuous minimum 4 foot shoulders, wider where possible
- create a 6-foot median up the Mililani side of the gulch to improve driver safety
- maintain a 6-foot median up the Waipio side of the gulch for driver safety
- The change will be implemented through re-striping the highway, so it’ll be relatively inexpensive and fast.
- On the Waipio side, the proposal is to adjust the median to provide the shoulders, while maintaining a 6 foot median for driver safety.
- On the Mililani side, the proposal is to eliminate the “climbing lane” for 0.9 miles.
*HDOT is currently upgrading the Roosevelt Bridge (at the bottom of Kipapa Gulch) and will be installing 6 foot shoulders. This bridge work is the impetus for HDOT considering options to have shoulders continuously linking Mililani to Waipio.
How will address safety for all road users: This is a safety improvement project that will make this section of Kamehameha Hwy safer for everyone – those walking, biking, and driving.
- Shoulders will dramatically improve safety for those biking and walking.
- Shoulders will also improve safety for those driving – among the safety benefits for drivers is that shoulders provide “recovery area” if a driver exits the lane they have space to safely recover.
- The 6-foot median will improve safety for drivers (HDOT has said that safety records show that the Waipio side of the gulch which has a median has a better safety record than the Mililani side which doesn’t have a median).
How will this impact traffic: The removal of the “climbing lane” is likely to have minimal traffic impact, which should only occur in the infrequent case that a slow moving vehicle is headed up the gulch (note that The Bus has no problem going the speed limit). The primary impact is going to be preventing people from speeding which will reduce dangerous (and illegal) speeding. HDOT will present their traffic analysis at the 2/28 meeting.
Safety First: It’s important to make clear that safety must be first and foremost. Kamehameha Hwy is the only biking and walking option to get between Mililani and Waipio, so making it safe for those walking and biking must be the first priority.
Your Support!
We had 35 people come out to the Mililani Neighborhood Board meeting in January. On March 28th we need more supporters. If you care about this issue, this is the time to get involved. One night of showing up and standing up in support! And bring friends and family!RSVP here to let us know you’re coming and spread the word on Facebook.
Mililani/Waipio Neighborhood Board
WEDNESDAY, 3/28 7:30pm
@ Mililani Waena Elementary, 95-502 Kipapa Dr
*Please email HBL Advocacy Director Daniel Alexander – daniel@hbl.org – if you’re interested in supporting.
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