Kailua pipe work advancing

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAILUA — Work continues on the first phase of the Kalaheo Avenue sewer project, with the city estimating that construction will be completed by the end of November.

It was the city's first word on an estimated completion date since the $17 million project ran beyond its original March target.

Work has been delayed by underground obstacles encountered while drilling tunnels below the road to replace 4,300 feet of wastewater collection pipe from Kainui Drive to Dune Circle.

Frank Doyle, city director of Environmental Services, said work should be completed at the end of November. The second phase of the project from Dune Circle to Kailua Road will be completed next year, Doyle said, adding that he didn't know the details about what caused the delay.

"One of (the contractor's) drilling machines evidently is stuck," he said. "I only know he's had a lot of trouble with equipment."

Doyle said the city is negotiating with the contractor for the extension. He said he didn't know if that would result in higher costs for the city.

He said the city is eager to complete the entire project to avoid problems that arose at the beginning of the year during heavy rains that overwhelmed the sewer lines, spilling raw sewage into the streets and stream and forcing the closure of Kailua Beach Park.

Part of the problem was caused by leaks in the line and overflow in the collection system. The project will replace the old, leaky line with a bigger pipe to increase capacity.

"Completion of the first portion will help, but it's really the completion of the second portion that will get us out of those types of conditions," Doyle said.

The second phase is about to go out to bid, but Doyle couldn't say when that would be.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.