Windward residents make push for road

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau

KAILUA — A promise of support from the mayor for a new entrance to Kailua High School has prompted Windward residents to seek the governor's backing to build the access road that would reroute hundreds of vehicles that enter the Pohakupu subdivision daily to reach the school.

In a Sept. 15 letter to Gov. Ben Cayetano, advocates for the new road said it was difficult to make the request after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but there has never been a time when Waimanalo and Kailua residents and their elected officials have come together with undivided support and private contributions for a project such as this.

"You too might consider that it could also be a time of renewal, building or even dedication," the letter said, adding that it was with that spirit that Kailua and Waimanalo citizens make the request to complete a project they have pursued for more than 20 years.

Cayetano declined to comment on the request because he was in meetings to address solutions to the effects that the Sept. 11 attack has had on Hawai'i's economy, said Kim Murakawa, press secretary to the governor.

The heavy traffic through Pohakupu isn't limited to school days. School functions, athletic competitions, church services and activities, and other community events can bring thousands of vehicles to the school, said Mike Heh, Pohakupu community liaison for the road access project.

"School activities over the course of a day can generate over 2,000 cars per day through Pohakupu," said Heh, adding that the number comes from a recent count taken by the community association.

Heh and Wilson Ho, chairman of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board, signed the letter.

Although Cayetano had said several of his departments oppose the new road, advocates pointed out that at a May 29 meeting in the State Capitol, representatives from these same departments did not oppose the project if the city agreed to maintain the road.

In a July 17 letter to Heh, Mayor Jeremy Harris said the city would maintain the access once it was built by the state.

RCI Construction and Ameron Hawai'i have said they would contribute material toward construction of the road, thereby reducing the cost, which is estimated to be $3 million.

Those favoring the new road said money for the project should not come from the school's budget.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.