The new Queen Kaahumanu Highway mauka northbound lanes opened up today as of 12:30pm. Which was pretty remarkable. Especially considering how much additional work was still needed to be done as of yesterday.
I received this e-mail today from the HDOT in regards to this opening:
“Today (July 9th) at 12:30 pm we opened the two new northbound (toward Kawaihae) lanes from the Palani Road intersection to the Kealakehe Parkway intersection. Our field personnel report that the opening went well. Adjustments are being made for traffic signal timings, turning lane sensors, etc. to optimize the traffic signals for this change.
Note that there are two southbound (toward Kailua) lanes from the Kealakehe Parkway intersection to the Makala Boulevard intersection, but only one lane will be opened to traffic as Hawaiian Dredging will have one of the lanes closed for paving of the finish asphalt pavement layers.”
Kona K posted this comment in regards to my question about the Hokulia bypass I posted yesterday.
“If the appeal is properly before it, the ICA must address the issues. The only way it can “decide not to hear” the case is if there’s some jurisdictional defect, which I very much doubt. If the Coupes lose at the ICA, they can ask the HSC to hear the case. I have no doubt that the intent of the Coupes and their attorneys is to get to the USSC. They want to make a statement about property law and condemnation. Although surely they’ve already eloquently made the point that they’re jerks who don’t care about their community.”
Apparently Kiewit Pacific Company is contesting the bidding process for the Queen Kaahumanu Highway Phase II.It seems that they don’t agree with the HDOT’s determination that Goodfellow Brothers submitted the best bid for this project. I sent this e-mail today to Kiewit inquiring why they are doing this.
“Aloha,
I’m curious why Kiewit is contesting the bid results in regards to the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project here in Kona. This will most likely delay the start of construction on this much needed roadway improvement project. Which doesn’t really sit well with me.
I know that I’ll probably get a no comment response to this e-mail. But I felt it was worth a shot to e-mail you to find out why Kiewit is doing this.
Best Regards,
Aaron Stene”
I am happy that the legislature decided to not override Governor Lingle’s veto of HB2972. If this legislation became law, it could had dire consequences to smaller schools all around this state.
But on the flip side the legislature decided to override Governor Lingle’s vetoes of HB2843 and HB2250. Both of these legislation should’ve never been enacted into law. HB2843 will most certainly increase the costs of importing goods into Hawaii. While HB2250 will give the State of Hawaii the ability (if Congress gives the exception) to regulate Hawaii’s inter island air market. I guess the legislators didn’t learn from their ill fated gas cap law.
Business traffic in the Old Industrial area is drying up. Businesses rely heavily on the tourist traffic and awareness created by visibility and access to this area. The Northbound lane is almost completely out of eyesight now. There is no left turn access on Kaiwi Street. The only access to this area from the highway is on Makala Street and travelling across the 4 way stop at Kaiwi and Luhia which has always been treacherous is now even more hazardous. Does anyone know if signage from the highway will be create to support and direct traffic to this area. When will the Southbound lane turn past The Harley Davidson be opened. Something needs to be done now. This economic downturn is coupled for businessses in this area by essentially shutting down flow to this area. Only those locals who know the area know how to come around from Kuakini. Tourist traffic is virtually eliminated. What can be done now and who would those affected contact for help.