Hawaiʻi County will host a public meeting for the launch of the Waikoloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study from 5-7 p.m on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Waikoloa Village Association Golf Banquet Room.

The meeting is an opportunity for residents to provide their input and learn about the federally funded study, intended to mitigate the risk of harm to people and property in the fire-vulnerable Waikoloa Village area.

The study, conducted by KLD Associates under contract with Civil Defense, will look at the existing street network, including the primary evacuation routes of Waikoloa Road and the Hulu Street emergency route, but also will consider future needs.

Funding for the study was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a Community Development Block Grant for hazard mitigation.