Updated at 11:25 a.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Waikiki traffic snarled after gas leak

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

A gas leak near Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues caused by a ruptured main snarled traffic into Waikiki today. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

Waikiki traffic ground to a halt this morning when a construction crew broke an underground gas line near the intersection of Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues, forcing closure of the 'ewa end of Kalakaua and nearby streets.

Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Richard Soo said synthetic natural gas was leaking from an 8-inch underground pipe where it was broken by a contracting crew repairing sewer lines in front of the ARCO service station. He said the department received the call at 9:09 a.m.

Soo said that Gas Co. workers clamped the line to stop the leak about 10:30 a.m. Kalakaua was reopened about 11:15 a.m.

Five fire engines, a ladder company and two hazardous materials crews were at the scene as gas kicked up dust from the hole in the makai lane of Kalakaua Avenue.

The Waikiki Terrace Hotel, Keo's restaurant, ABC No. 26 store and offices at Ft. DeRussy were evacuated.

Soo said it was fortunate the leak happened in the open, where the explosive gas could safely dissipate.

Gas Company spokesman Steve Golden said the contractor knew it was working near a gas line.