'Ewa board rejects stoplight plan again
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
The 'Ewa Neighborhood Board voted for a third time last night to oppose a new traffic signal in the heavily congested Fort Weaver-Kunia Road corridor, despite a plea from state Sen. Cal Kawamoto to help Waipahu residents.
"You want help getting out of your community, and Waipahu wants to get out, too," Kawamoto told board and community members. "We are asking you to help us out."
The board brushed aside his often impassioned pleas, saying the new signal would help only several hundred people while inconveniencing thousands of others along the only direct link between the 'Ewa plain and H-1 Freeway. The vote was 11-1.
State Transportation Director Rod Haraga said after the meeting that work on the traffic signal would proceed because the "issue is one of safety" for Waipahu residents who are forced to weave their way into Fort Weaver traffic to head north or west.
"Safety is the department's highest priority," he said.
Newly elected board chair Tesha Malama, however, vowed to take the issue directly to Gov. Linda Lingle. "We can get 20,000 people at the Capitol to protest if we have to," she said.
The signal would become the 13th traffic light on the 5.4-mile road that serves several communities of about 50,000 people.
Board members and others last night said Waipahu residents can use other nearby roads to access the busy corridor.
"I believe the 'Ewa residents are against the light because an alternative is available," said Sen. Willie Espero, who attended the meeting.
Construction is expected to begin in May. Haraga said last night that cost estimates for the project have been lowered to about $500,000.
Haraga rejected a suggestion that the light be left nonoperational during the morning rush hours to reduce delays for Fort Weaver Road commuters.
"If you keep the light green, you'll still have the problem of traffic weaving and accidents," he said.
Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.
