Plan for new stoplight pits Waipahu against 'Ewa

Critics say a planned stoplight on Fort Weaver Road just before H-1 Freeway will further back up traffic. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

The state is planning to put a 13th traffic signal on Fort Weaver Road, one of the most congested streets on O'ahu, and frustrated 'Ewa residents say they are ready to revolt.

The new signal at Honowai Street pits one community's interest against another, puts two powerful transportation allies in the state Senate on opposite sides of the fence, and has left the state Transportation Department trying to fashion a solution that will help everyone, neighborhood leaders and residents say.

"There's going to be a revolution the day that light turns red," said Tesha Malama, an 'Ewa Beach resident who says it takes her about 45 minutes on most mornings to drive from her home to H-1 Freeway along Fort Weaver Road, a 5.4-mile route that has 10 regular traffic lights and two pedestrian-activated signals.

These traffic signals along Fort Weaver Road are among 12 that Honolulu-bound drivers face. A 13th light is planned on the access route. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Supporters, most notably Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Cal Kawamoto, say the new signal is a badly needed safety measure for Waipahu residents. Opponents, including Transportation Vice Chairman Willie Espero, say it will help only a handful of people every day while inconveniencing thousands.

Kawamoto lives in the Waipahu area the light would serve; Espero represents 'Ewa Beach, where Fort Weaver Road provides the in-and-out access for an estimated 50,000 residents.

"It's a classic example of political pork run amok," said City Council member Mike Gabbard. "I'm going to do everything in my power to stop it."

Malama and other 'Ewa residents say they are ready to take to the streets if necessary to block the new traffic light. The 'Ewa Neighborhood Board, which has voted twice to oppose the light, plans to vote against it tonight after hearing presentations from Kawamoto, state Transportation Director Rod Haraga and others.

But there may be a compromise in the works.

One option, Espero said, would be to consider letting the far-left lane on Fort Weaver Road, heading west and north, to have a continuous green light so that "traffic would keep moving toward Kunia." Another option is leaving the light nonoperational during rush hours, from 5 to 8 a.m., he said.

While a solution is being fashioned, some in the area are angry.

"Surely, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few," said Garry Smith, an 'Ewa Beach resident. "It might not be so bad if he (Kawamoto) didn't live there, but if this light goes through you are going to see a lot of angry people out there."

Kawamoto, D-18th (Waipahu, Crestview, Pearl City), says the traffic signal at Honowai Street, the last major intersection on Fort Weaver Road before drivers reach H-1 Freeway and Kunia Road, is necessary to give Waipahu residents a safe exit from their neighborhood.

"All I'm saying is give us a chance to get out of our community," he said. "We were here a long time before all those other developments were built and we've helped them out. When is it going to be our turn for safety?"

Kawamoto admits 'Ewa drivers are frustrated and says that contributes to speeding and aggressive behavior as they rush past Honowai Street. Because of that, Waipahu residents trying to get into the left lanes to travel toward Wai'anae or north toward a Wal-Mart and other stores are in danger.

"If you don't ever have to leave Waipahu, everything is fine," said 81-year-old Waipahu Neighborhood Board chairman C.O. "Andy" Anderson. "But if I want to go to Wal-Mart to buy bird seed, I have to decide if it's worth my life."

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Cal Kawamoto, top, says the new signal is needed, but Transportation Vice Chairman Willie Espero disagrees. Advertiser library photos

Others say the residents can easily circle around the neighborhood to find exits.

"There is currently an alternate route a hundred yards away, which would make their access safer and better without inconveniencing thousand of 'Ewa commuters," Espero said in a June 20 letter to Lingle, asking the state to withhold construction money for the project.

Kawamoto has pushed for the traffic light for years, only to have release of the money blocked by the administration of former Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Kawamoto lashed out at transportation officials for the delay in a public meeting in October, saying "people are speeding all through the area and we need that light. If you don't put in that light, I'm totally opposed to widening Fort Weaver Road."

Late in this year's legislative session, Kawamoto inserted nearly $2 million for Kunia-area improvements, including the traffic signal, into a bill that originally authorized money for airport and harbor security needs. The measure also included $12 million for widening of Fort Weaver Road, a project supported by Espero, who voted for the bill.

"It would have been nice to have our senator speak against it at the time," Malama said. "That's the time to stop it, not after it's in the pipeline."

The Transportation Department is proceeding with the $2.5 million project and expects construction to begin next May and last about one year, spokesman Scott Ishikawa said.

With the help of the traffic light, drivers exiting Honowai Street will have two lanes instead of one to leave their community without cutting across or disrupting existing traffic flow. That should help prevent traffic on Fort Weaver Road from backing up, Ishikawa said. The project will also allow right turns from Fort Weaver Road onto Honowai Street, now banned, when the new light is operational, Ishikawa said.

Another part of the project will include a second north-bound lane from the freeway exit, reducing the backup on Kunia Road, he said.

"We believe we designed this project so it just doesn't benefit one community or the other," Haraga said. "We're trying to do something that will help drivers in the whole region. We think the traffic light and lane changes will better coordinate traffic in the area."

Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu) said the difference with his longtime colleague on the Transportation Committee won't cause a lasting breach between the two.

"Senator Kawamoto has done this for his district and that's understandable," Espero said. "And he understands that I'm responding to my constituents. Of course we'll have disagreements, but that's part of the job."

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.

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