A Crucial Step Forward: WSAW's Meeting with Newly Elected County of Hawaiʻi Mayor, Dr. Kimo Alameda

Update on Our December Meeting with Mayor Alameda: A Path Forward for Waikoloa's Second Access Road

We are excited to share a comprehensive update on our continued advocacy for a second access road—a project critical to the safety and future of our community. On December 26, 2024, WSAW leaders Matt Chalker and Bob Yuhnke met with newly elected Mayor Kimo Alameda, Public Works Director Hugh Ono, District 9 County Council Member James Hustace and other key County staff.

The meeting was productive and forward-looking, marking a significant shift from decades of inaction. Mayor Alameda expressed his commitment to seeing this vital project through to completion during his four-year term. We left the meeting with a clear, shared action plan, which we have formally outlined for the Mayor's office.

Here’s what we discussed and what we’re working toward:

Our strategy is focused on two parallel objectives to ensure both immediate and long-term safety.

1. Complete an Emergency Access Road by August 2025 (Before Next Fire Season)

This is our immediate priority. The goal is to establish a usable, gravel emergency route to provide a crucial northbound evacuation option. The steps needed are:

• Issue Excavation Permits: We urged the Mayor to direct DPW to immediately complete its technical review and issue the necessary permits to Waikōloa Heights so construction of the roadbed can begin. County inaction is currently the primary delay.

• Secure Landowner Agreements: The Mayor has committed to facilitating agreements with landowning families for the easement needed at the intersection with Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.

• Secure State Funding: We asked the Mayor to contact our state legislators to strongly support including funding for the Queen K intersection in the 2025 State Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget.

2. Construct a Permanent Two-Lane Arterial Road by the End of 2027

This is the permanent solution. To ensure this becomes a reality, we outlined these critical steps:

• Revise the Developer's Agreement (PUD #73): We requested the Planning Department formally revise the conditions for Waikōloa Heights to eliminate the outdated option of simply widening Paniolo Drive. Instead, they must be locked into building the new northern arterial road, with a firm completion deadline before 2030.

• Obtain a Cost Estimate: We need the engineering and cost reports commissioned by the developer to be shared. This is essential for public budgeting if the developer fails to fulfill its obligation to build the road across private land.

• Collaborate with the State (HDOT): We will work with the County to provide HDOT Director Ed Sniffen with all necessary information and offer our full political support to secure state funding for the highway intersection.

Positive Momentum and Next Steps

Since this meeting, we have already seen positive movement! Director Hugh Ono has confirmed that the Mayor and county officials met with HDOT Director Ed Sniffen, who agreed the state will fund the intersection with Queen K. Furthermore, Rep. Tarnas has officially requested $1.6 million in the 2025 CIP budget for the design and planning of this intersection.

Our work is not done. We are continuing to:

• Follow up diligently on permit issuance and landowner agreements.

• Monitor the county's paving plans for Kamakoa Drive to ensure that no paved gaps are left that would block the emergency route.

• Prepare to send a letter to the Governor asking for an update on his promise to fund the road.

• Engage with the WVA board and all residents to build widespread support.

How You Can Help

This is a community-wide effort. Your support is invaluable.

• Stay Informed: Read our updates and share them with your neighbors.

• Get Vocal: Attend community meetings, voice your support and help us keep the pressure on.

• Reach Out: Email us at wildfirewaikoloa@gmail.com with your ideas, comments, and offers to help.

We are more hopeful than ever that after 20 years of delay, we have a true partner in the Mayor's office to finally achieve a second access road for Waikōloa. Mahalo nui for your unwavering support.

With gratitude,

The Team at Wildfire Safety Advocates

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