• Regarding eastside traffic Regarding eastside traffic I first proposed the “Backage Road” concept in 1996, so named because it will provide mauka traffic access to the back side of the Wailua-Kapa`a commercial strip. Now, Councilwoman Yukimura is recommending and
• Regarding eastside traffic
Regarding eastside traffic
I first proposed the “Backage Road” concept in 1996, so named because it will provide mauka traffic access to the back side of the Wailua-Kapa`a commercial strip.
Now, Councilwoman Yukimura is recommending and DOT highway planners are considering just such a “Backage Road” as a cheaper, quicker solution for easing the Eastside traffic snarls.
Much of the analysis contained in my full page Op-Ed piece in the Kaua`i Times 7 years ago is still valid, and this website provides all the details including a map to show where the “Backage Road” could go:
Check this out, and if you agree, let our State and County officials know that you support the “Backage Road” concept.
Be advised that the new “relief route” coming soon to Pouli Road (by Foodland) is only one of eight unused cane haul road segments needed to make the “Backage Road” concept work. Three segments of new roadway will also be needed to interconnect with existing streets.
Opening Pouli Road by itself will actually provide very little relief, says the DOT’s consultant…which makes one wonder why it became a “funding priority” this year.
Still, like Pouli Road, each of the required “Backage Road” segments could be built fairly quickly and cheaply.
Opening the back side of the strip to traffic from mauka, where 40% of Kauaians live, would eliminate the need to either widen Kuhio or build a huge new “Bypass” across the wetlands.
There are so many problems with the widening or bypass options that they keep getting pushed farther and farther into the future, whereas the “Backage Road” solution could be implemented now.
It’s about time we made Eastside traffic easier for those who live here.
Ken Stokes
Kapa‘a
