Given the increased traffic and community concerns on Highway 11, a.ka. Volcano
Highway; Mountain View Elementary School, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and Hawaiʻi
County are working together to find immediate and long-term safety solutions.

Mountain View Elementary is providing special duty police officers to direct local traffic on a short-term basis. The school is also working closely with Hawaiʻi County Police to help direct and educate drivers on appropriate parking areas in lieu of Highway 11 where current parking has been obstructing traffic flow.

In a statement, Puna Police Captain Scott Amaral said, “For those parents that are unaware, parking and obstructing traffic on a state highway is prohibited by law and offenders may be issued a citation.”

Another struggle Mountain View Elementary is facing is a reduction of buses and routes. Two of
five routes have been canceled due to a shortage in Robert’s bus drivers. Because of this,
Principal Adria Medeiros is networking with the Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Department to
arrange availability of public transportation for students and families until the routes are
reestablished. The hope is to supplement existing County routes with free fares for faculty and
students as a temporary solution.

Hawaiʻi County Council Member Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder praised the swift coordinated
response of both the Department of Education and Hawaiʻi County officials to address concerns
brought forth by residents. Mr Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder stated, “To see State and County officials
responding quickly to community concerns is brilliant. We are all committed to finding solutions
for the growing pains we face in Puna.