Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Thursday announced the release of the more than $15.5 million in funding for various capital improvement projects for Department of Transportation highways and facilities statewide. Nearly $300,000 is headed to the Big Island for two South Kohala projects.
The Waimea Baseyard Wastewater System will receive $250,000 in additional design and construction funds for a new wastewater system that complies with state Department of Health and federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Some $47,000 in additional land and design funds was also released to construct a new dedicated right-turn lane, increase existing turn-lane lengths, and install a new acceleration lane at the intersection of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kawaihae Road, according to Abercrombie.The extra funding was needed because of unanticipated archaeological sites that were encountered during the design of the project that required an archaeological survey. Land funds are being used to acquire three zoned agricultural parcels from the Queen Emma Foundation.
“These funds will allow priority repair and maintenance projects to move forward, improve safety along our state highways, and in the process give a boost to our economy through job growth in construction,” Abercrombie said.
Other projects around the state receiving funding, which were previously identified by state legislators, include:
- $3.8 million for Kuamoo Road slope stabilization in the vicinity of Wailua State Park on Kauai. The funds will cover design and construction for slope stabilization measures to mitigate rockfall incidents.
- $2.34 million for miscellaneous permanent best management practices on Oahu. The additional construction funds are needed to meet storm water runoff permitting requirements as set forth by the state Department of Health for various highway locations. These best management practices will allow DOT to address the DOH permit conditions and reduce erosion within the highways right-of-way and adjacent areas, as well as improving water quality in various watersheds.
- $2.34 million for Hana Highway improvements, Phase 2A, between Huelo and Hana on Maui. The additional design and construction funds will cover slope stabilization of the roadway embankment at mile marker 13, Special Management Area permit requirements, archaeological reports, mitigation via Historic American Buildings Survey documentation, and public informational meetings.
- $2 million for slope improvements for erosion control at various sites on Oahu. The funds will be used for erosion control mitigation measures, including vegetative swales, filtering systems and detention ponds for DOT Highway facilities.
- $1.65 million for Haleakala Highway intersection improvements at Kula Highway on Maui. The design and construction funds are needed to reduce traffic at the intersection by installing a right-turn lane and upgrading the traffic signal system.
- $410,000 for pedestrian countdown timers on Oahu.
- $400,000 for intersection improvements on Kaumualii Highway at Waimea Canyon Drive and Menehune Road/Halepule Road on Kauai. The design funds are needed for the installation of new traffic signals, utility relocations and construction of auxiliary turning lanes and associated roadway improvements at both intersections.
- $355,000 for traffic operational improvements on Kamehameha Highway, in the vicinity of Lumiaina Street, on Oahu. The design and additional construction funds will provide for improved traffic flow in the area by constructing an additional left-turn lane from Lumiaina Street onto Kamehameha Highway. The traffic signal system at the intersection will also be modified to accommodate the additional lane.
- $160,000 for Kamehameha Highway to cover rehabilitation of Waipilopilo Stream Bridge on Oahu. The land funds will be used for three permanent easements and 10 temporary construction parcels near Hauula Beach Park for the bridge rehabilitation project.
- $157,000 for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Motorcycle License Testing facility on Oahu. The design funds will be used for a new testing facility for CDL and motorcycle license. The current facility at Aloha Stadium will be displaced by the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit project.
- $45,000 for Kalanianaole Highway improvements in the vicinity of Hawaii Kai Drive to Keahole Street on Oahu. The additional construction funds will help improve traffic flow at the intersection. Additional construction funds are needed because of delays and impact costs including additional excavation of soft soil discovered during construction, installation of fiber optic utility lines, and the replacement of drainage pipes in the construction area.
- $5,000 for Nimitz Highway bike improvements between Puuhale and Waiakamilo roads on Oahu. The design funds are for highway bike improvements to existing bicycle facilities by incorporating bike accommodations on the inbound and outbound lanes of Nimitz Highway and extending the existing bike lanes from Waiakamilo Road to Puuhale Road.