Two Routes Possible for Oneo Lane Project

Two routes are being discussed for the Oneo Lane Project in Kona that would connect Ali’i Drive to Kuakini Highway.

The Oneo Lane Project, part of the Nani Kailua Road Extension Project, is being proposed to provide additional mauka-makai connectivity and mobility within the area and relieve traffic congestion at the intersection of Hualalai Road and Ali’i Drive by redirecting some traffic off Ali’i Drive and onto Kuakini Highway.

According to a draft environmental assessment published Monday, there was a finding of no significant environmental impact for the project.

The project is being proposed to consist of two through lanes, one in each direction, a center turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks. The entire length of the proposed alignment is currently undeveloped vacant land.

The primary considerations in selecting the proposed roadway alignment have been to avoid historic sites, and to minimize impacts on land owners.

One alignment intersects Ali’i Drive about 125 feet north of the Billfisher condominium driveway, snakes through currently vacant parcels, and intersects Kuakini Highway at the southeast corner of the Coconut Grove Marketplace parking lot.

That route would eliminate the current southern Coconut Grove Marketplace driveway off Kuakini Highway. According to the document, the driveway would be too close to the Oneo Lane intersection and therefore would be closed.

A new driveway to Coconut Grove Marketplace would be provided off Oneo Lane and would be roughly 125 feet makai of Kuakini Highway so that vehicles exiting the marketplace could turn left or right onto Oneo Lane.

The other option intersects Ali‘i Drive at the same location as the aforementioned design, and runs in a relatively straight path across the vacant parcels, and intersects Kuakini Highway across from the Kama‘aina Commons housing development driveway.

Although the Green Alignment intersects Ali‘i Drive at the same location, the intersection is at a slightly different angle.

According to the report, there would be little impact on archaeological and historical artifacts. There are several archaeological sites within three parcels nearby. Construction for the project may impact a 20th century rock wall and a mid-to-late 19th century residential compound.

Public comments can be made during the 30-day review period for the Draft EA and can be sent to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works, 101 Pauahi Street, #7 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4224.

The estimated cost of the lane project is $4.5 million.