Posted on: Thursday, March 25, 2004

EDITORIAL
Wilson Tunnel fixes: Timing is everything

It's a huge and long-overdue project. We have no doubt that it's needed. What we question about the overhaul of the Wilson Tunnels on the Likelike Highway is the timing.

The worst part of this $13.8 million, year-long project will be the closing of the tunnels for 30 days each to install a new concrete roadway.

Don't get us wrong. We endorse the choice of concrete. Officials think the new roadway will be good for 60 years. Compare that with asphalt, much quicker to install, but in need of replacement in perhaps seven years.

But let's not mince words here. In choosing September — the month that schools reopen — for the tunnel closings makes us wonder if state transportation officials have lost their marbles. The impact of closing one of the three trans-Ko'olau links at that time of the year will be staggering.

We understand that the state is looking at ways to mitigate the effect of these tunnel closings. We also appreciate that the state was wise enough not to attempt the tunnel project at the same time as the Castle Junction landslide-prevention work.

But school startup is the wrong time. Why not wait until summer of 2005?