GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $535,000 FOR ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN PUNA ON THE BIG ISLAND

For Immediate Release:  March 4, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $535,000 to construct a left-turn lane on Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road into the Maku‘u Farmers Market in Puna and to install guardrails in the area to provide a barrier between traffic and pedestrians. Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road, which is the major two-lane route passing through the Puna district of the Big Island, has a 55 mph speed limit at the Maku‘u Farmers Market site.

“This project will reduce traffic back-up caused by cars turning left into the farmers market,” said Governor Lingle. “More importantly, it will enhance safety for pedestrians and fast-moving traffic along this portion of the highway.”

The total project cost is estimated to be $540,000, of which $5,000 was previously released for design. Design is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in March 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2008 and be completed in August 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Brennon Morioka
Interim Director, Dept. of Transportation
Phone: (808) 587-2150

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043