REP. RICHARD LEE FALE COMMENTS ON BARRIERS AT LANIAKEA BEACH

From Office of Rep Richard Fale November 20, 2013

HONOLULU – Rep. Richard Lee Fale (HD 47, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Pūpūkea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana, Ka‘a‘awa, Waikāne, Waiāhole) issued the following statement regarding the Department of Transportation’s announcement to install temporary barriers on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway to mitigate traffic at Laniakea Beach:

“North Shore residents and transportation officials have been discussing proposals to improve Laniakea traffic for years, but so far no solution has been found, and traffic and safety concerns continue to worsen.

“I’ve spoken with many frustrated North shore residents and commuters about their concerns. While all parties agree that this isn’t a permanent solution, something has to be done because current conditions are unacceptable.

"The installation of temporary barriers was an idea that was proposed years ago to the Kamehameha Highway Realignment Task Force.  During and after the last Task Force meeting in September 2013, community members expressed valid concerns about these temporary barriers in terms of beach access, driver and pedestrian safety. My office will continue to work closely with DOT and the community as we work to find a viable, long-term solution.”

Barriers will remain for at least a month, and perhaps as long as one year, while DOT officials monitor the traffic flow and assess the effectiveness of this solution.

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