Nanakuli Turn Lane Update: Eastbound & Some Westbound Left Turns to be Accommodated

Photo Credit: KHON

Email exchange between Sen. Shimabukuro and DOT:

On Nov 25, 2016, at 11:30 AM, Sniffen, Edwin H <edwin.h.sniffen@hawaii.gov> wrote:

Thank you Senator,

That is exactly what the lane will be used for, we will accommodate Makai turns to the extent possible. It should be noted that the primary purpose is to provide queuing areas for left turn movements at the two intersections [Nanakuli Ave. & Haleakala Ave.]. Therefore, where possible, the lane will allow refuge areas for other left turns. That being said, if those other turn areas conflict with the major intersection queue lengths, the left turn will not be allowed. The left turn at Ka Waihona is an example of this. Accommodating a left turn into Ka Waihona’s parking lot would interrupt the left turn queue at Nanakuli Ave. However, there will be a full signal that will accommodate turn movements into Ka Waihona when the Nanakuli Village project is completed.

Please feel free to call or email me if I can be of further assistance.

Aloha,
Ed

Mr. Sniffen’s letter was in response to the following inquiry by Sen. Shimabukuro:

From: Maile Shimabukuro [mailto:maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 8:47 AM
To: Sniffen, Edwin H <edwin.h.sniffen@hawaii.gov>
Subject: Question Re: Nanakuli Turn Lanes

Aloha Ed / DOT: A constituent asked if the Nanakuli turn lanes can also be used for westbound left turns into Nanakuli Beach Park, Ka Waihona o ka Na`auao charter school, Depot’s beach park, etc. Since you are creating a continuous 1.2 mile 5th lane, I think that’s an excellent suggestion, and would help with traffic flow in both directions. Is this possible?