A proposal to reduce the speed limit on Kalanianaole Street is closer to reality after passing a Hawaii County Council committee Wednesday.
Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy introduced in June a bill that would lower the speed limit on Kalanianaole Street between James Kealoha Park (“Four Mile”) and Leleiwi Street to 25 mph from the current 30 mph. The measure, she said, was an effort to protect the endangered nene that roost in the Keaukaha wetlands.
That bill was postponed in June in order to solicit more data on viable traffic control measures in the area.
At Wednesday’s meeting of the council’s Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets, volunteers who monitor the health of the local nene discussed those measures.
Jordan Lerma, co-founder of nonprofit Nene Research and Conservation, said that based on conversations with traffic experts, the installation of speed tables on the road would be the most effective option to reduce traffic speed.
Hawaii County Public Works Director Steven Pause said DPW is looking to install at least two sets of speed tables along the road, but added that he still wants to conduct additional outreach to both the local community and emergency responders.
The committee voted unanimously to forward the bill with a favorable recommendation to the full council after minimal discussion.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.