HILO, HI – The County of Hawaii Department of Public Works (DPW), in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), is seeking public input on the Safe Routes to Hilo Union School project. The project, aimed at improving pedestrian safety and encouraging walking and biking to school, is subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) due to the use of federal funding.
The proposed project seeks to enhance safety and accessibility for students walking to Hilo Union School by constructing new sidewalks, curb ramps, and drywells. Additionally, the project includes roadway resurfacing and widening of shoulders along Kaiulani Street, Wailuku Drive, and Wainaku Street, spanning the area between Hilo Union School and Kaiwiki Road.
The Safe Routes to School program aims to achieve several key objectives, including:
- Enabling and encouraging children, including those with disabilities, to walk to school.
- Making walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, fostering healthy and active lifestyles.
- Facilitating the development and implementation of projects that improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution near schools.
As the project moves forward, the involved agencies are committed to complying with Section 106 of the NHPA, which mandates consultation with the public to identify and protect any potential historic properties that might be affected by the project.
The DPW encourages individuals and organizations with an interest in the historical aspects of the Pi’ihonua, Pu’ueo, Kalalau, and Wainaku Ahupua’a areas to participate in the consultation process. Those interested in participating can contact Centrie Carter via email at Centrie.carter@hawaiicounty.gov, or by U.S. Postal Service to Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, Hawai’i 96720.
The public consultation is an important step in ensuring that the Safe Routes to Hilo Union School project is implemented in a way that benefits the community while preserving its historical integrity.
