Public Invited to Waikoloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study Meeting
Public Invited to Waikoloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study Meeting
The County of Hawai‘i will host a public meeting for the launch of the Waikoloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 at the Waikoloa Village Association Golf Banquet Room (68-1792 Melia St.).
The meeting is an opportunity for residents to provide their input and learn about the federally funded study, intended to mitigate the risk of harm to people and property in the fire-vulnerable Waikoloa Village area.
“The Mana Road fire evacuation in 2021 highlighted the need to take a deep look at existing evacuation plans,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “This study will provide important data for improving our emergency response and meeting the needs of our people, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
The study, conducted by KLD Associates under contract with Civil Defense, will look at the existing street network, including the primary evacuation routes of Waikoloa Road and the Hulu Street emergency route, but also will consider future needs.
“We asked the consultant to consider the impact of the significant growth that’s expected in the area’s population, so we can make good decisions for the future of Waikoloa Village,” said Talmadge Magno, Civil Defense Administrator. “We hope residents will come out to the meeting to help ensure that the study includes their input.”
Funding for the study was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a Community Development Block Grant for hazard mitigation.
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