Drive Time
Caution urged near highway work site
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer
While East O'ahu drivers deal with the water main installation along Kalaniana'ole Highway, Windward residents face a similar situation along the two-lane Kamehameha Highway.
Residents in Ka'a'awa, Punalu'u, and Hau'ula have dealt with a Honolulu Board of Water Supply project along Kamehameha Highway since May of last year. Project contractor RCI Environmental Inc., as part of the $10.9-million project, is installing a 36-inch transmission main.
The work is part of a $90-million project to install about 16 miles of line from Haiku Road in Kane'ohe to Punalu'u.
Given the highway's lack of shoulder through much of the project area, motorists have encountered long delays at the work site. The tight working space makes it difficult for construction workers as well, said Board of Water Supply spokeswoman Denise DeCosta. She asks drivers to be cautious and watch for construction crews while traveling through the area.
"This project is located on a narrow, two-lane highway that is heavily traveled, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we work to install the new pipe," DeCosta said. "Once installed, it offers more reliable water service to Windward residents from Kahana to Waimanalo.
The pipe will replace an older line that has had periodic and extended breaks in recent years, DeCosta said.
Q: How much of the project has been completed?
A: The contractor will finish the first phase of the Kamehameha Highway water main project sometime this summer. This initial work involved installation of the pipe from Kahana Bay to Maipuna Stream, or a little over one mile.
Q: What happens when this phase is completed?
A: The contractor is preparing to connect the new pipe to an active valve and will test the installed line in June. After the successful testing of that line, the contractor, RCI, will proceed with the second phase.
Q: The second phase will run from where to where?
A: The next segment of pipeline will run nearly 1.5 miles along Kamehameha Highway from Maipuna Stream to Hale'aha Street in Punalu'u. That work (same 36-inch transmission main) is expected to be completed sometime in the summer or fall of next year.
Scott Ishikawa writes about transportation issues. You can call him at 525-8070, write him at The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, or e-mail sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.
