FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    December 7, 2007

Department of Emergency Management coordinates Kolekole Pass emergency access for Leeward Coast residents

The City’s Department of Emergency Management completed coordination this morning to ensure continued emergency access through Kolekole Pass for Leeward Coast residents who have been beleaguered by severe traffic congestion since Wednesday’s storm.

“We are happy that we could bring all parties to the table to agree on the best possible plan to help our friends and families on the Leeward Coast”, said Mayor Hannemann.  “All of us involved in the process to open Kolekole Pass wish to thank our residents for their patience as we work the issue.”

Opening Kolekole Pass for public access required close coordination with the Department of Emergency Management, Hawaii State Civil Defense, Hawaii State Department of Transportation, US Army Pacific Command and the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii. 

“I wish this were as simple as making one or two phone calls”, stated Melvin Kaku, Director for the Department of Emergency Management. “However as we are requesting public access through areas that are under military control and traversing military bases under two different commands, you can imagine how involved and complex this can become.  We wish to officially thank all of our partners in this process."

Kolekole Pass will remain open for two-way traffic until 8:00 PM tonight.  General public wishing to access Kolekole Pass from either Schofield Barracks or Lualualei need to be aware of the following requirements:

  ·       Drivers will be required to present a valid drivers license as well as current vehicle registration and proof of insurance coverage.

·       Vehicles can weigh no more than 2.5 tons

·       No trailers

·       No oversize vehicles

--END--

Contact:

John M. Cummings III

Public Information Officer

(808) 723-8957 Office

(808) 499-7937 Cell