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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, April 2, 2008

DOT idea has promise to curb copper theft

The mounting and expensive problem caused by copper thieves statewide eludes easy or permanent solutions.

On the particularly vexing issue of damage to wiring in highway light poles, the thieves have shown themselves to be determined criminals. Attempts to protect the wiring by welding shut the electrical boxes only drove the vandals to overcome that barrier with sledge hammers, causing even costlier damage.

But while lawmakers and police work to curb the theft and fencing of copper, the state Department of Transportation is pursuing ways at least to minimize the financial drain, which is something taxpayers can applaud.

Using aluminum to replace copper wire in theft-prone areas and in new highway construction sites makes sense, in that aluminum costs less and brings thieves roughly one-third as much in scrap value.

Theft of metals in electrical systems and construction materials is a national problem, and has a public-safety cost as well as the hefty repair bills. On O'ahu, that threat is due to the loss of lighting along stretches of roadway, which can make driving hazardous.

The favorite treasure trove is the freeway wiring on the H-1, between Kunia and Makakilo, and on the H-2, between the Waiawa interchange and Mililani. Both are stretches without people living or traveling nearby who could witness the crime.

State officials are weighing whether the savings would outweigh the disadvantage of aluminum wiring: It conducts electricity less efficiently, making lights burn less brightly. But less illumination is better than none, so it seems clear that this would be the lesser of evils.

Currently, copper prices are as strong as ever but scrap aluminum may tumble in value, some analysts say. A boost in production is projected to outpace demand. That's encouraging news.

And the Legislature is poised to pass a bill requiring scrap dealers to pay sellers only by check sent by mail five days after the sale.

Such barriers are needed to end the ATM-like convenience with which thieves now reap their ill-gotten gains, at the taxpayer's expense.