Leeward O'ahu readies for traffic woes

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer

I wrote a traffic column two weeks ago on how motorists in Kailua and the rest of Windward O'ahu had to get around a slew of sewer projects.

Then I got a call from a frustrated resident on the Wai'anae Coast saying, "Eh, no forget us!"

Don't worry, I haven't. That's what this week's column is all about.

Leeward residents have endured traffic backlogs from two state projects to install highway streetlights along Farrington Highway and another project to bury a fiber-optic line from Kahe sewer treatment plant to Ma'ili Elementary School.

Lurking around the corner is a four-year, $47.5 million project to replace 13 miles of water lines along Farrington Highway and the Wai'anae Coast.

Wai'anae Coast Neighborhood Board chairwoman Cynthia Rezentes said she understands that many of the projects will improve traffic in the long run, but will be frustrating for drivers.

Here is the status of work along Farrington Highway:

Q. Has the giant water main project begun yet on the Leeward side?

A. The Board of Water Supply is working on the first phase of a project to replace a 24-inch water main along a section of Old Farrington Highway now closed to traffic near the Barbers Point Reservoir. Work will run until June 2002.

Q.When does the real mess begin?

A. Expect this in the succeeding phases of the project.

• Phase 2 will place 8-inch, 12-inch and 24-inch lines along Farrington from Hakimo Road to Haleakala Avenue. Construction will run from October 2001 to December 2002, with work tentatively scheduled for nights, from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

• Phase 3 will run from Kaulawaha Road to Jade Street from August to July 2002.

• Phase 4 will go from Jade Street to Lawaia Street from March 2003 to February 2004.

• Phase 5, running from Ali'inui Drive to Haleakala Avenue, is scheduled from July 2003 to December 2004.

Q. What are the state projects all about?

A. The state is adding a traffic signal and highway lighting near the intersection of Farrington Highway and Waiomea Street near Nanakai Gardens/Honokai Hale. The $1.9 million project includes drainage improvements and the building of portable concrete barriers.

The other state project involves installing highway lighting along Farrington from Piliokoe Bridge to Ala Hema Street.

Both state projects are scheduled for completion at the end of the year.

Scott Ishikawa covers transportation issues. E-mail him at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.