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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 27, 2002

EDITORIAL
Nimitz Highway chaos still lacks explanation

Every construction project brings with it its share of noise, disruption and confusion.

That's certainly going to be the case with the latest project for Nimitz Highway, where work is expected to begin soon on a year-long, $14 million project to replace old and decaying water-main pipes.

The state intends to have the work done at night because Nimitz is simply too busy and important a traffic corridor to shut even a part of it down during the day.

That makes sense, but it is of little consolation to folks who live in the area.

Less than two years ago, they endured a lengthy period of disruption and nighttime noise when the road was torn up to put in new sewers.

They rightfully ask why the same street has to be dug up twice in less than two years for two, somewhat similar projects. Couldn't someone have coordinated this better?

We find ourselves asking that question, too. In fact, we have long advocated a central road construction coordinating agency, or "czar," that would be a central planning point for all projects, whether state or county, public or private.

Transportation officials insist there is cooperation and consultation, but it sure seems that the system breaks down more often than it should.

In any event, we have the current repeat construction nightmare. State officials clearly were ready for complaints and sought to provide an answer as to why this has to happen again.

For your information, we offer the following excerpt from a question-and-answer sheet they handed out to area residents at a public meeting this week:

Q. Why is this project happening now after all the noise generated by the sewer work, just last year?

A. "Major public sewer and water facilities serving Honolulu are also located along Nimitz Highway. It is necessary that these utilities are sufficient, in good condition and will not need to be immediately renovated or repaired following the road work. This is the primary reason why the sewer and water mains must first be installed before we complete the resurfacing project. It is important to remember that once the project is completed, it will provide a long-term benefit in the form of improved safety for traveling motorists and increased water system reliability for much of Downtown Honolulu and the surrounding area."

So the question remains: How come this project is happening after all that disruption and noise from the sewer work, just last year?