Makapu'u project to stabilize slope
| • | Graphic: A look at a proposal to stabilize the Makapu'u Point cliff face |
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — The state Department of Transportation is proposing to fix a fault in the road at Makapu'u Point and stabilize the slope there to reduce chances of a rockfall.
The state will hold a public meeting and take comments for a rockfall protection and road stabilization project at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Blanche Pope Elementary School cafeteria, 41-133 Huli St.
The $4 million project will require some closures and partial closures of the highway in the vicinity of the project, according to state transportation officials.
For years, Waimanalo residents have complained about the danger to motorists from rockfall along the cliffs overlooking Makapu'u Beach. Residents also have pointed out that the road between Sea Life Park and the lookout was becoming unstable.
The road was built in 1928, but now, 74 years later, the foundation is giving out.
"I was constantly bringing it to their attention that the road is being undermined," said Andrew Jamila Jr., a member of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board.
Jamila said the highway is cracked, and the retaining wall that holds up the makai side of the road is deteriorating.
But it wasn't until residents invited a DOT engineer to the site about a year ago that the department admitted there was a problem and began fixing it, he said.
About six months ago, the state hired a contractor to fill the cracks in the road and fix the wall, but the problem persisted, Jamila said.
The state is now proposing to reconstruct the roadway and pavement, build a new retaining wall on the makai side and install new guard rails in conjunction with the rockfall project, according to DOT information.
Although cracked, the retaining wall appears structurally stable, said a Highways Division official.
The project, however, is still being designed, and the state will move ahead with the rockfall protection project first.
The proposed rockfall measures include removing loose rocks and potentially hazardous rocky overhangs from the slope mauka of Kalaniana'ole Highway between the upper and lower Makapu'u lookouts.
The state also will install netting to prevent rocks from falling onto the highway, according to Marilyn Kali, DOT spokeswoman.
"Due to the inherent nature of the rockfall hazard, the proposed netting and slope stabilization are considered interim measures until a permanent rockfall protection plan can be developed and implemented," Kali said.
Both projects are good news to the community, said Jamila, adding that he hopes the state plans well, considers working at night and doesn't close the road for long periods of time.
Many Waimanalo residents and students use the highway to get to work and school.
"To do the work properly, they have to close the road," he said. "I'm just saying please don't close the road for six months. You're going to kill the town."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
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