Posted on: Thursday, October 17, 2002

Makapu'u rockslide net still on slow track

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

WAIMANALO — Despite a rockslide Tuesday from the cliffs overlooking Kalaniana'ole Highway at Makapu'u Point, state officials say work to erect protective mesh over the rocks will not begin before the planned February starting date.

Work on the $1.3 million project will begin Feb. 1 and will require the road to be closed twice a day for three weeks, Marilyn Kali, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation, said yesterday.

Waimanalo residents have complained for years about the danger of rockfall from the cliffs between the entrance to Sea Life Park and the lookout, and following the rockslide they called for the work to be fast-tracked.

Kali said the February timetable was based on a request by a local business.

"The notice-to-proceed date was based on a request from Sea Life Park, to not to interfere with their busy time," Kali said, adding that residents were able to offer input about the project's schedule and the hours of construction at planning sessions held in the community.

Wilson Ho, Waimanalo Neighborhood Board chairman, said the state's decision is worrisome.

"We hope and pray nobody gets hurt or killed, because it's not just one rock falling, it's a barrage," said Ho. "And it really scared us (Tuesday)."

After the 2:25 a.m. rockslide on Tuesday, state workers removed a truckload of debris, including some rocks up to two feet in diameter. But the road remained closed until 3 p.m. after a geologist determined more loose material was on the hillside.

Police said the road was clear yesterday, and by late afternoon no incidences of rockfall were reported.

Last year the state agreed to address the problem and in April it proposed to scrape the hillside of loose material and install steel mesh that would keep rocks from falling into the road.

On Tuesday Kali said a right-of-way issue might affect the project, but project manager Henry Kennedy said the state is acquiring land above the road from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kamehameha Schools so the work can proceed.

Once the project begins, Royal Contracting Co. will work seven days a week, said Kali. Lanes in both directions will be closed from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.