Report Title:

Makapuu Point

WHEREAS, there are several hazardous locations throughout the State public highway system that pose imminent danger to the health and safety of the residents of and visitors to the State; and

WHEREAS, one example of a hazardous location posing an imminent danger is the rock cliff at Makapuu point on the island of Oahu; and

WHEREAS, the rock cliff is extremely weathered and brittle due to the harsh weather conditions prevalent at that location, and Kalanianaole highway, a heavily used portion of highway, runs immediately below this rock cliff; and

WHEREAS, on numerous occasions, rocks and boulders of all sizes have fallen from the rock cliff onto Kalanianaole highway, without warning and at all times of the day and night; and

WHEREAS, the hazardous condition at Makapuu point also poses an imminent threat to the local and state economy; and

WHEREAS, a rock fall situation occurred at Waimea, on the island of Oahu, cutting off access to Oahu's north shore community, forcing commuters and residents to drive around the island as opposed to a few miles to reach the community, jeopardizing the health and safety of other motorists and residents alike, disrupting the lives and routines of area residents, and causing significant losses in productivity, retail and wholesale sales, losses due to a substantial decrease in visitor traffic; and

WHEREAS, a rock fall or rock slide at Makapuu point sufficient to cut off through traffic on Kalanianaole highway poses a great risk to life and limb and will negatively impact the Waimanalo area, and the entire state; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that the Governor of the State of Hawaii is requested to declare a highway emergency at Makapuu point pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 264-17 to expedite projects to remedy the imminent threat of a rock fall at Makapuu point; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Governor of the State of Hawaii and the director of the Department of Transportation.