| The County of Hawaiʻi announces the release of the Waikoloa Evacuation Traffic Study, initiated to inform emergency planning efforts for the Waikoloa Village area.
The study, conducted by consulting firm KLD Associates under a contract managed by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, looked at the community’s street network, including existing and planned routes, as well as future growth projections.
Additionally, it was informed by a survey completed by 501 households that assessed community demographics, evacuation responses, and the amount of time taken for certain pre-evacuation activities, such as travelling home from work.
“By understanding these patterns, we can improve our emergency planning and response efforts and ensure that everyone can get out safely during a disaster, including our more vulnerable populations,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Preparedness also starts at home, and we encourage residents to make sure they have a plan in place if they need to evacuate.”
New Evacuation Route
Waikoloa Village currently has two routes that can be used for evacuations: Waikoloa Road and the Hulu Street evacuation route, which is used for emergencies only.
Construction of another evacuation route at the north end of the community from Kamakoa Drive to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway is scheduled to start this week. The project is a partnership between the County and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
“This evacuation route will provide a third way out during a disaster and reflects our commitment to public safety,” Mayor Alameda said. “I want to thank the Department of Transportation and private landowners for working with us to get this done.”
Funding for the evacuation traffic study was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a Community Development Block Grant for hazard mitigation.
To view the study, click here.
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