MEDIA RELEASE

The Kapiolani Street Extension Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) will be available for public review and comment Aug. 23, 2012.

The project proposes to extend Hilo’s Kapiolani Street 0.5-mile from Mohouli Street to W. Lanikaula Street to improve traffic flow on Kilauea Avenue, Kinoole Street, and the surrounding streets; accommodate bike and pedestrian travel; and provide an alternate emergency evacuation route.

Construction plans include drainage improvements, utility relocation, traffic signals at two intersections, and a concrete bridge across Waiakea Stream. The DEA assesses impacts and identifies mitigation measures for this project.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Department of Public Works will conduct a Public Informational meeting to share the findings of the DEA and invite public comments on the project. The meeting will be held at the Hawaii County Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni Street, in Hilo. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an open house portion, followed by a formal presentation at 6:00 PM, and a question and answer session at 6:30 p.m.

Copies of the DEA will be available at the Hilo Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue and the Department of Public Works, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, Hawaii.

View the online version at the State Office of Environmental Quality Control website, http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/shared%20documents/environmental_notice/current_issue.pdf

The 30-day public comment period ends Sept. 24, 2012.

Submit comments by email or fax to both:

Department of Public Works
Allan Simeon
101 Pauahi Street Suite 7
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Fax: 961-8630
asimeon@hawaiicounty.gov

Geometrician Associates
Ron Terry
P.O. Box 396
Hilo, Hawaii 96721
rterry@hawaii.rr.com

For information, special accommodations, auxiliary aid, and/or services to participate in this meeting, (i.e., Sign language interpreter, large print), please call (808) 961-8321.