Posted on: Monday, February 7, 2005

Pipes to be replaced

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

HAWAI'I KAI — Time and corrosive soil have had their way with the water main system here and the Board of Water Supply must replace 40-year-old water pipes in three areas of the community.

"The majority of the soil out there is clay soil and that's acidic and it contributes to corrosion," said Su Shin, Board of Water Supply spokeswoman.

The three areas the Board of Water Supply will replace sometime this year are:

• Kamiloiki Valley area of Lunalilo Home Road from Maniniholo Street to Alakoko Street; Alakoko and Opaeka'a streets from Lunalilo Home Road to Wainiha Street.

• Kalama Valley area of Ka'eleku Street from Wawau Street north to Honokahua Street.

• Kalama Valley area of Huialoha Street from Kahului Street to Kealahou Street.

Water pipes can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years, with the average pipe lasting 75 years, Shin said. In the past 20 years there were 14 main breaks in Kamiloiki Valley, five along the area of Huialoha Street in Kalama Valley and 12 along Ka'eleku Street, also in Kalama Valley.

The projects have not gone out to bid yet, Shin said, but the board estimates it will cost at least $840,000. When design plans are done, the board will be better able to estimate the cost, Shin said.

It's not the first time in recent years that the water lines have been replaced in the Kalama Valley area. In 2000, the board replaced a stretch of pipe along Honokahua Street.

The board plans to make a presentation to the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Haha'ione Elementary School cafeteria, said Lester Muraoka, chairman of the board.

"As a resident and member of the board, I like to see well-planned projects such as these that are essential to the health and well-being of our community," he said. "The Board of Water Supply has been good in keeping the community informed of problems and up and coming projects."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.

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