MEDIA RELEASE

The county Department of Public Works and the Federal Highway Administration are proposing improvements to Kuakini Highway between Hualalai Rd and the future intersection with the proposed Alii Highway in North Kona.

A public meeting on the project is slated 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building A.

The meeting agenda will include:

* Present proposed improvements that would relieve existing and future traffic congestion, increase mauka to makai connection for emergency and evacuation access by widening the road from two to four lanes, and improve roadway drainage, pedestrian and bicycle facilities

* Present three alternatives that are being considered: Widen the road without acquiring new right-of-way, widen the road with minimal acquisition of right- of- way, or maintain the existing two- lane road with some improvements to the intersections.

* Collect comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment

* Consult with Native Hawaiian organizations and Native Hawaiian descendants with ancestral lineal or cultural ties to, cultural knowledge or concerns for, and cultural or religious attachment to the proposed project area pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (2006)

The review period for the DEA concludes April 22, 2013.

A copy of the DEA may be viewed at the Kailua Library or, at the Department of Public Works at the West Hawaii Civic Center or, in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 or visit: http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov