Leeward residents want traffic, crime solutions

By Shayna Coleon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The preliminary results of a first-time Leeward Coast survey revealed that residents want to see solutions to traffic and crime problems in their coastal communities. The results also revealed some of their views on the Army's use of Makua Valley.

•	According to survey results, Leeward Coast residents want to see the following in connection with their traffic-related concerns:
•	Traffic light by Waiomea Street and Farrington Highway.
•	Honokai Hale sign on the right side of Farrington Highway.
•	A turnaround at La'aloa Street.
•	More signs on freeway.
•	Traffic access to Kapolei and Honokai Hale.
•	More lanes if more traffic is expected on the Wai'anae Coast.
•	Caution/stop light at Nanakai Street.
•	Street lights between Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park and Ko 'Olina.
•	Bicycle route along the roads.

Area residents were given two surveys, each with nine questions related to current Leeward issues.

Hanabusa said the surveys were sent out because she wanted "to get a sense of the community."

So far, Hanabusa has received 605 answered surveys and the responses continue to trickle in.

"It was interesting to see that the people had very local concerns that are specific to their areas," Hanabusa said.

Although the surveys did not give her a truly accurate gauge of public opinion because not everyone filled them out, Hanabusa said the results and experience of surveying Leeward Coast residents were eye-opening.

"We're not saying these results are statistically significant," Hanabusa said. "But, the surveys acted as vehicles to start discussion. Now, we can use these unique results when we think of planning, and get things moving."

One of the results showed that 91 percent of the 531 Wai'anae-area residents who responded want a second access or emergency road to the Leeward Coast.

For decades, Leeward Coast residents have pushed for a second road. Farrington Highway is the only road linking the coastal communities; any closure of the highway can bring traffic to a standstill, stranding both motorists and residents. However, the state has balked at building a second road because of the high cost involved.

The most urgent issue brought up in the Honokai Hale and Ko 'Olina Fairway survey was a traffic light at the intersection of Waiomea Street and Farrington Highway. The community has waited for a light to be installed at the dangerous intersection since 1999.

"They were supposed to give us a light because people fly past here and they always get into accidents," said Honokai resident Ruby Sylva. Sylva can see the intersection from her porch. "And, still no light."

In addition to traffic concerns, 85 percent of people who answered the survey believe that crime, and more specifically, drug crime is a problem in the area. According to the survey responses, Leeward Coast residents think "the problem is with kids on drugs." They also want to improve drug enforcement and rid the area of drug dealers.

"Drugs were a major, major concern," Hanabusa said. "The people want programs, and they asked, 'Why can't we have a weed and seed program?' "

The survey also asked residents if they would object to the Army's plan to resume live-fire training in Makua Valley if a commission is created to oversee preservation and restoration of the area.

Results showed that 68 percent of Leeward residents would not object to the military's use of the land.

"I had this preconceived notion before the survey went out that residents would not support a Makua commission, and I was proven wrong," Hanabusa said. "I thought the communities would be against the military, and my assumption went in the opposite way of the results."

The survey also showed that 60 percent of residents believe the Department of Education is doing an above average job at providing quality education in their local schools and 31 percent object to school redistricting of Makakilo Elementary students to Barbers Point Elementary.