To the Forum: The bypass road the state wants to put in would he helpful. Kaua’i’s highways are clogged here as in many other areas on the island. The proposed road, would cut down congestion in this area, but it
To the Forum:
The bypass road the state wants to put in would he helpful.
Kaua’i’s highways are clogged here as in many other areas on the
island.
The proposed road, would cut down congestion in this area, but it
is time to consider a route, from the tree tunnel to Kealia, similar to the one
proposed years ago, that even had funding.
This would significantly reduce
traffic from Kapa’a to Lihu’e, and again from Lihu’e to the tree
tunnel.
Many Wailua and Kapa’a people work on the south and west shores. By
attaching Kawaihau and Olohena Roads to this bypass, about 10 percent of the
traffic from the tree tunnel to Kapa’a would be eliminated.
The same holds
true for west side people who work on the east side. This road would provide
quite a few people alternative routes once again reducing
congestion.
Tourists and tourists related tours, out of necessity, have to
drive through these areas. This bypass would allow them to access another route
which again would decongest these areas. Furthermore, delivery trucks and vans
could plan their routes in such a way as to avoid traffic instead of being
contributing factors.
Some people are concerned that this road would
promote development within the interior part of the island. People control land
use, we already have roads, without the corresponding development.
Local
business people have expressed concern this route would take away business.
Easier accessibility promotes business.
Right now people feel like they
are taking their lives in their hands crossing some of the streets of the
island, and some just won’t go. It is easier and safer to call O’ahu or the
Mainland to have something shipped and a lot less stressful.
If anything,
it would enhance business as residents and visitors alike, stuck in traffic,
can’t shop.
This road would significantly reduce, possibly eliminate, the
traffic congestion in three areas making existing roads safer for bicyclists
and pedestrians.
It could also open up another niche market. People travel
the world to go to spots they can bicycle. We could become the bicyclists mecca
of the U.S., pedal Kaua’i with tours along the ocean, and scenic inland tours
as well.
Marathons and triathlons would also be a consideration.
This
road could be built without creating the traffic jams we will otherwise endure
during road construction anywhere else, at least around existing highways, and
will create a “true” bypass, taking traffic away from congested areas rather
than just creating additional intersections we all know we will eventually be
stuck in.
This one by-pass could eliminate the need for three other
bypasses currently in the planning stages which ultimately means it should be
far more cost effective.
Eric Toulon
