Planned Leeward bike path faces community concerns

QUESTION: Is the Pearl Harbor Bike Path ever going to be continued Ewa of Waipahu Depot Road? Also, who is responsible for its maintenance? The canal that runs along the trail is often filled with debris.

ANSWER: The state Department of Transportation is working on a Leeward Bikeway project that will extend the bike path from Waipahu Depot Road to Nanakuli via the old Oahu Railway and Land Co. route.

The DOT held a public meeting in March to discuss Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires public consultation with organizations that may attach cultural, religious or historical significance to properties affected by the project, a spokesman said.

It is following up with those who voiced concerns and also will consult with the State Historic Preservation Division.

Following a resolution to any concerns, the Historic Preservation Division and the Federal Highway Administration will make a final determination on when the project can move ahead.

"Barring any major delays, the project is anticipated to be advertised in late summer," the DOT spokesman said.

Portions of a bike path Ewa of Waipahu Depot Road currently exist, although the "network" is not completely developed, said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.

For example, the city is working with the West Loch Fairways Community Association to resolve title issues to a portion of the bike path that runs across association property up to Asing Park, he said. (We explained that the association made that section off limits to the public in 2012 because of liability concerns. See bit.ly/1kwLnws.)

The city oversees and maintains the existing Pearl Harbor Bike Path through an easement with the U.S. Navy.

On Oahu, there currently are 46 miles of bike paths (physically separated from a roadway), 52 miles of bike lanes (part of a road reserved for bicycles) and 36 miles of bike routes (having signs for use by bicycles and shared with pedestrians and motor vehicles).

For information about Oahu’s Bike Plan and bike programs, check DTS’ website, www1.honolulu.gov/dts/bikepage.htm.

MAINTENANCE

The city Department of Facility Maintenance, which is responsible for upkeep of the bike path, periodically cleans nearby drainage channels.

The apparent area of your concern, between Waipio Point Access Road and Waipahu Depot Road, was cleaned in late March, said Ross Sasamura, director of Facility Maintenance.

The Aiea, Pearl City and Waipahu communities also cleaned the bike path and abutting areas earlier this year.

Because of budget and resource limitations, the department welcomes community help in cleaning and removing graffiti, where possible, Sasamura said. Interested groups should call 768-3343.

Sasamura credited Councilman Breene Harimoto for planning the last community cleanup.

"I have taken the lead to restart the community’s vision of turning the old Pearl Harbor Bike Path into what we call the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail," Harimoto said.

The vision, with a formally documented plan, is to make the trail into "a world-class destination for locals and visitors," with cultural and historic signs; removal of overgrowth so the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites can be viewed from the shore; and a "connectivity" with highways, miniparks and businesses along the path, such as restaurants and cafes, he said.

"Unfortunately, the plan (about 10 years old) was gathering dust and there has been no movement," he said. People also complained about feeling unsafe because of the path’s poor condition and the homeless presence.

In an effort to kick-start implementation of the vision and to bring people back to the trail, Harimoto is organizing monthly activities, including cleanups and bike events.

Those interested in participating may call his office, 768-5008, or email bharimoto@honolulu.gov.

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.