Public input sought on Kapa‘a road project

The public is invited to share ideas to improve the safety and accessibility of Kawaihau Road by identifying potential road improvements along the Kawaihau Road corridor – between Hau‘a‘ala Road and Ka‘apuni Road.

The scope of the estimated $5.6 million project — funded through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program — includes rehabilitation and resurfacing of the project roadway, implementing pedestrian and bicycle improvements, improving traffic flow, and addressing parking concerns.

The two-day design charrette kicks off on March 6 with a walk that starts with assembling at 4:30 p.m. and leaving by 5 p.m. On March 7, the public is invited to provide input at a Visioning & Design Workshop with doors opening at 5:30 pm. The Walk Audit will be held on March 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Attendees will convene at the St. Catherine’s Coyle Hall located at 5021A Kawaihau Road. This walk will cover a portion of the project alignment with Department of Public Works (DPW) and Planning staff, as well as the project consultant. Observations and suggestions will be shared during this walk, which may be up to 1.5 miles. Before the Walk Audit, light refreshments will be available.

The Design Charrette will be held on March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Coyle Hall located at 5021A Kawaihau Road. DPW staff and their consultant will summarize the project and conduct a hands-on activity to allow participants to provide input on potential roadway improvements. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. to allow time for sign-in, light refreshments, to view the project displays, and provide direct input.

The Business and School Focus Group Meetings will be held on March 7 at the Kapaʽa Neighborhood Center located at 4491 Kou Street. If you are a business owner or manager with a location along the project corridor, watch for a postcard in the mail. If you did not receive that postcard and wish to attend the Business Focus Group meeting or be kept apprised of future events, please contact Charlene Johnston at the email address below.

All interested community members are encouraged to attend these events. Updates and more information on this project are available at https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Public-Works/Engineering/Project-Management. Once at that site, scroll down to the “Kawaihau Road Improvements Project.”

The county anticipates a follow-up meeting to be held in April, allowing the public to see how their feedback is shaping preliminary design decisions.

For questions regarding the design workshop, contact Charlene Johnston with the DPW Engineering Division at cjohnston@kauai.gov or 808-241-4885. Call Johnston for auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability.