Here's a brief overview of news and announcements that affect everyone in Hawaii Kai.

Recent News
► Jan. 2012: Hawaii Kai Water Main Break
► Nov. 2011: Hawaii Kai Water Main Breaks
► Nov. 2011: Hawaii American Water Rate Increase

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News Archive

► January 2012: Hawaii Kai Water Main Break
On January 9, a 12" water main break was reported in Hawaii Kai on Keahole Street. Water was cut off to the Tesoro Gas Station; two mauka-bound lanes were temporarily closed. Reported on the Hawaii News Now Website 1/9/12.

► November 2011: Hawaii Kai Water Main Breaks
On November 21, two water main breaks were reported in Hawaii Kai. A 24" water main break was located on Kalanianaole Highway near Keahole Street; there was a lane closure but only service to Maunalua Bay Beach Park was disrupted. A 12" water main break was located on Kuliouou Road near Wakine Place; 24 customers were affected and the road was temporarily closed between Keoki Place and Pahukula Place. Reported on the KHON2 website 11/21/11 and 11/23/11.

► November 2011: Hawaii American Water Rate Increase
This month, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved a 14% sewer fee increase for Hawaii American Water, which provides wastewater service to approximately 300,000 Hawaii Kai residents. Single-family homes will pay $67.08 (up from $58.70); multi-family units will pay $57.08 (up from $49.95). Reported on the Hawaii News Now website 11/22/11. Read the PUC "Decision and Order Report"

► August 2011: Hawaii Kai Traffic Alerts, Aug. 27-Sept. 2
From August 27 though September 2, 2011 several lane closures will affect traffic to and from Hawaii Kai. The following traffic alerts were provided by Rep. Gene Ward:

H-1 Freeway: Kaimuki to Kahala: Left lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the eastbound direction from the King Street Off-Ramp (Exit 25A) to the Waialae Avenue On-Ramp for pavement maintenance at the following locations and times:

· Saturday, 8/27, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
· Sunday, 8/28, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. Monday, 8/29
· Monday-Wednesday nights (8/29-8/31), 8:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

Kalanianaole Hwy: Inside Hawaii Kai: Work continues on the widening project between Keahole Street and Hawaii Kai Drive on Kalanianaole Highway.  Multiple lane closures in both directions are expected on:

· Monday-Friday days (8/29-9/2), 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kalanianaole Hwy: Aina Haina to Niu Valley: Tree trimming and sewer work will continue from Ainakoa Avenue to Puuikena Drive closing the eastbound right lane of Kalanianaole Highway on:

· Monday-Friday days (8/29-9/2), 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

► August 2011: Hawaii Kai Traffic Alerts, Aug. 20-26
From August 13 though August 19, 2011 several lane closures will affect traffic to and from Hawaii Kai. The following traffic alerts were provided by Rep. Gene Ward:

Daytime lane closures on many of our highways will be postponed from August 22-26 during the annual “Beat The School Jam” period when approximately 43,500 university, college and private school students will be returning to class.

Emergency closures, nighttime construction and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled. 

H-1 Freeway: Kaimuki to Kahala: Left lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the eastbound direction from the King Street Off-Ramp (Exit 25A) to the Waialae Avenue On-Ramp for pavement maintenance at the following locations and times:

· Saturday, August 20, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Sunday, August 21, from 7 a.m., to 5 a.m., Monday
· Monday night, August 22, to Thursday morning, August 25, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., nightly.

All on-ramps and off-ramps in the area will remain open.

► August 2011: Hawaii Kai Traffic Alerts, Aug. 13-19
From August 13 though August 19, 2011 several lane closures will affect traffic to and from Hawaii Kai. The following traffic alerts were provided by Rep. Gene Ward:

H-1 Freeway:  Kaimuki to Kahala: Left lane will be closed on the H-1 Fwy in the eastbound direction from the King St. Off-Ramp (Exit 25A) to the Waialae Ave. On-Ramp for pavement maintenance at the following locations and times:

· Saturday, August 13, 7 am to 6 pm

· Sunday, August 14, 7 am to 5 am Monday

· Monday night, August 15, to Thursday morning, August 18, 8 pm to 5 am, nightly.

All on-ramps and off-ramps in the area will remain open.

Kalanianaole Hwy: Hawaii Kai to Kahala: Various single lane closures on Kalanianaole Hwy in both directions from Lunalilo Home Rd in Hawaii Kai to Ainakoa Ave. in Kahala on Monday, August 15, through Thursday, August 18, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, daily, for lane striping and marker installations.

Kalanianaole Hwy: Inside Hawaii Kai: Multiple lane closures on Kalanianaole Hwy on Monday, August 15, to Thursday, August 18, 8:30 am to 3 pm, daily, at the following locations and times:

· Westbound:  Multiple lane closures between Keahole St. and Hawaii Kai Dr. for installation of new curbs, gutters and lighting systems. Right lane closures are also scheduled on Keahole St. and on Hawaii Kai Dr. approaching the respective Kalanianaole Hwy intersections.

· Eastbound:  Right lane closure between Kuliouou Rd and Hawaii Kai Dr. for underground utility installations.

Aina Haina to Niu Valley: Alternating single lane closures on Kalanianaole Hwy in both directions from Waa St. in Aina Haina to Paiko Dr. in Niu Valley, on Monday, August 15, through Thursday, August 18, 8:30 am to 3 pm, daily, for sewer system improvements.

Waialae to Aina Haina: Right lane closure on Kalanianaole Hwy in the eastbound direction from Ainakoa Ave. to East Hind Dr. on Wednesday, 8/17, 8:30 am to 3 pm, for tree trimming work.

► December 2010: Sewer Spill in Hawaii Kai Marina
On December 19, 2010, 85,000 gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into Kuapa Pond at the Hawaii Kai Marina. Reported in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser 12/20/10.

► September 2010: Sewer Main Project on Kalanianaole Hwy
On September 7, 2010, Hawaii-American Water began construction of a new sewer main on Kalanianaole Hwy and Lunalilo Home Road, near Koko Marina Center. The project replaces approx. 1/4 mile of pressurized pipeline and is expected to be complete by the end of 2010. Construction will take place between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays; some work during night hours may be necessary.
Read the Hawaii-American Water News Release

► August 2010: Free eWaste Disposal at UH Campuses in Oct.
On October 27-30, 2010, the University of Hawaii is offering free collection, disposal, and recycling of electronic waste. Six campuses on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu will offer recycling and disposal services courtesy of Apple. Acceptable eWaste items include computer systems and accessories, handheld electronic devices, office equipment, and audio/video equipment. Please DO NOT bring household appliances, hazardous materials, microwaves, and paper/cardboard.
Read more about the UH eWaste Disposal Days

► 2010 July: Kalama Valley Brush Fire
On July 4 @ 9:30 pm, a brush fire threatened the upper east side of Kamehame Ridge. Kamehame Drive was closed to traffic and some residents were evacuated. Firefighters contained the fire are there were no injuries or serious property damage. All residents were allowed back into their homes on July 5 @ 7 am. 

► June 2010: Kalanianaole Hwy Roadwork at Keahole St.
On June 7, roadwork will begin on Kalanianaole Highway from Keahole Street to Hawaii Kai Drive. A third westbound lane will be added to improve traffic flow and help drivers merge more safely from Keahole Street onto Kalanianaole Highway. Construction should be completed in March 2010 and is expected to cost $1.84 million. Announced in a Dept. of Transportation News Release "Kalanianaole Highway Improvements Project Begins Monday in Hawaii Kai," dated 6/3/10.
Read the Dept. of Transportation News Release

► Nov. 2009: Road Closures on Kalanianaole Hwy at Makapu'u
Starting Sunday, November 29, on Mondays through Fridays, there will be alternating lane closures of Kalanianaole Hwy at Makapu'u from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Both lanes will be closed on Sundays through Thursdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The Dept. of Transportation will construct a rockfall impact barrier, slope stabilization, pavement reconstruction, and install electrical cables and conduits. The project is expected to cost $7.8 million and should be completed at the end of 2010. Announced in a Dept. of Transportation News Release "Kalanianaole Highway Retaining Wall Project Near Makapuu Scheduled to Begin at the End of November," dated 11/9/09.
Read the Dept. of Transportation News Release

► Sept. 2009: Dedicated Right-Turn Lane from Keahole
In September, construction will begin on a dedicated right-turn lane from Keahole Street onto Kalaniana'ole Highway. The additional lane will be added on Kalaniana'ole Highway in the westbound direction, and utility cables and service boxes will be relocated. The project is estimated to cost $4,070,536, which includes $2.3 million in federal funds, and should be completed in July 2010. Reported in Midweek 9/2/09 and a press release "Governor Lingle releases $800,000 for Kalaniana'ole Highway Improvements" 3/10/09.

► June 2009: Construction Halted Due to Heiau Damage
On June 9, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui learned that the Hawea Heiau in Hawaii Kai may have been damaged during the construction of condominiums. The heiau, one of 15 remaining around Maunalua Bay, is located mauka of the Oahu Club on Hawaii Kai Drive, near the intersection of Hawaii Kai Drive and Keahole Street. On June 12, the city halted construction by 21st Century Homes, a for-profit company of the nonprofit Hawaii Intergenerational Community Development (HICD), pending further investigation. Reported in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin 6/20/09.

► May 18, 2009: New Street Lights for Lunalilo Home Road
176 street lights will be replaced along Lunalilo Home Road from Kalanianaole Hwy to Hawaii Kai Dr.  The estimated cost is $2.46 million. The expected completion date is March 2010. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 5/18/09.

► Jan. 2009: Proposal to Preserve Ka Iwi Shoreline
On January 25, Governor Linda Lingle announced a proposal to re-classify the Ka Iwi Shoreline from urban to conservation. This would protect the Ka Iwi Shoreline between Queen's Beach and Makapu'u Lighthouse from development. Details were discussed at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board on January 27, 2009 .

► Jan. 2009: DLNR "Recreational Renaissance" Plan
On January 15, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) released a five-year, $240 million plan to improve and increase Hawaii's outdoor recreation facilities, provide educational programs, make infrastructure improvements, and adopt national standards.

In Hawaii Kai, the plan, if approved, calls for park and trail improvements along the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline and ocean recreation improvements of the Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp.
Read the DLNR Recreational Renaissance Fact Sheet

► Update: The proposed Senate Bill 636 was not passed by the legislature. Reported in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin 5/5/09.

► Aug. 2008: Highway Improvements at Makapu'u Point
On July 28, Governor Lingle released $2,647,000 to improve Kalanianaole Highway near Makapu'u Point. On the makai side, a new barrier wall will be constructed, guard rails will be installed, and parts of the road will be repaved; on the mauka side, loose rocks will be removed and a barrier fence installed. Improvements should be completed in October 2009.
Read the Kalanianaole Highway Improvements News Release

► Jun. 2008: Celebrate Independence Day at Maunalua Bay
On July 4, 2008, join local Hawaii Kai merchants and entertainers, including Henry Kapono and emcees Guy Hagi and Kim Gennaula of KGMB. Festivities start at 2 pm, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display at 8 pm. There will be a free bus shuttle from 2:30 pm to 9 pm, with stops at Kaiser High School, the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, and the "Kiss and Ride" lot on Keahole St.
Visit the Independence Day at Maunalua Bay website

► Jun. 2008: Water Bill Will Increase in July
From July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply will add a "Power Cost Adjustment" fee to our water bills to pay for higher energy costs. The adjustment will be 9.4 cents for every 1,000 gallons of water usage and will be reviewed annually. Residents will pay an average of $1.22 per month more for water.
Read the BWS Power Cost Adjustment FAQ

► May 2008: Sewage Spill Near Maunalua Bay
On Friday, May 23 about 200 gallons of wastewater entered a storm drain near the Outback Steakhouse at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center. It is unclear whether the sewage actually reached Maunalua Bay, but beachgoers have been advised to stay out of the water. Reported in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin Newswatch 5/25/08.

► Apr. 2008: Hawaii Kai Sewer Fee Increase Meeting
A second public hearing about the proposed rate increase by Hawaii American Water Co. (Hawaii Kai's wastewater service) is scheduled for Monday, April 14 @ 7 pm at the Hahaione Elementary School Cafeteria.
Hawaii-American Water 2nd Public Hearing Notice

► Mar. 2008: Halona Blowhole to Close for Repairs on April 14
Halona Blowhole will close for repairs starting on April 14, and work is expected to be completed by September. The estimated $824k project will remove the lower platform, rebuild the upper viewing platform, add disabled access, and reconfigure the parking lot. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 3/19/08.

► Feb. 2008: Left Turn Signal into Hawaii Kai Shopping Center
Work on the left turn signal lights into Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (Safeway, Longs Drugs) should be completed in April, and is expected to be activated soon after. There has been a delay due to required materials. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser Bureaucracy Buster 2/14/08.
Update: On April 10, the signal light was activated. The project cost $50k and included cabling, a conduit, poles, and pedestrian buttons. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 4/10/08.

► Jan. 2008: Hawaii Kai Sewer Fee Increased Proposed
Hawaii-American Water, which provides wastewater service to Hawaii Kai, is proposing a rate increase of 16.68% for single-family residences, from $54.55 to $63.65 per month. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7 @ 6 pm at the Hahaione Elementary School Cafeteria.
Hawaii-American Water Public Hearing Notice

► Sept. 2007: Curbside Recycling to Begin in October
Starting on October 29, 2007, a pilot curbside recycling program will begin in Hawaii Kai. Residents will receive green and blue recycling bins along with instructions for sorting green waste and recyclables. In January 2008, refuse pickup will be limited to once per week; Hawaii Kai residents will not have the option of a second refuse pickup per week. For more information, visit Opala.org or call 768-3200.

► Aug. 2007: Roadwork at Hanauma Bay to Begin Jan. 2008
Roadwork is expected to begin at the entrance to Hanauma Bay in January 2008. Kalaniana'ole Hwy will be widened, a left-turn lane will be installed, and an acceleration lane in the town-bound direction will be added, at an estimated cost of $255,000. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 8/31/07.

► Aug. 2007: East Honolulu Crime Statistics on HPD Website
The HPD District 7 website now publishes unofficial crime statistics for each East Honolulu neighborhood. Click on "Stats" and then select a neighborhood to view a list of reported crimes. Thank you for helping to keep us all safe!

► July 2007: Hawaii Kai Dr. at Maunanani St. to be Restored
At the July 31 Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Meeting, the developer of Bali Lofts (a nine-home development at the base of Kamehame Ridge), stated that the section of Hawaii Kai Dr. near Maunanani St. will be restored by the end of August. Major excavation and grading for the development is almost complete. Crews have been digging up the road to install pipes, leaving the road bumpy and the dividing lines almost non-existent.

► More July 2007 News Briefs. The Ka Iwi area has been cleaned up, after someone illegally dumped truckloads of slate. The Maunalua Bay parking lot will be re-stripped by the end of August. Kalanianaole Highway will be improved, costing an estimated $3 million; construction is expected to start in January 2009.

► June 2007: Halona Blowhole May Get a Facelift
The Halona Blowhole may get a facelift. The city is proposing to rebuild the floor slab and existing walls, adding a 2'6" high fence on top of the wall for better visibility, at an estimated cost of $1.13 million. Comments should be addressed to Gregory Hee of the DCC office at 768-8434 or consultant Gerald Park at 596-7484 by June 22. Reported in the East Oahu Islander 6/6/07.

► May 2007: Concerns about Koko Head District Park
There have been reports of graffiti, drivers drift racing, illegal drinking, and drug use at Koko Head District Park at night. On May 29, the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board voted in favor of closing the park from 11 pm to 4 am. The Department of Parks and Recreation will make the final decision. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 5/31/07.

► August 2006: Hawaii American Water Interim Rate Increase
On August 24, Hawaii American Water mailed a letter to its customers regarding an interim rate increase for wastewater service. The interim rate will be $109.10 billed bimonthly ($54.55 per month) for a single family home and $91.50 billed bimonthly ($45.75 per month) for multi-family units. The new rates will be effective with the September/October invoice, including a one-time pro-ration back to July 25, the date the new interim rates became effective. The company will inform customers of any changes to the final approved rates. For more information, call 866-430-0826 or visit the company's website at www.hawaterco.com.

► August 2006: Lunalilo Home Road Sewage Spill
On Sunday, August 13, a vehicle struck part of the temporary sewer bypass line along the 700-block of Lunalilo Home Road. Approx. 2,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled onto the road, flowed through a storm drain, and into Kuapa Pond. The line was not in use at the time, though it contained waste water. Signs have been posted warning people to stay out of the water. As of Wednesday, August 16, water quality levels near Kuapa Pond were back to normal.

► July 2006: Makapu'u Lookout Area Improvements
On July 17, the new Makapu'u Lookout area was open to the public. The $5 million project includes two parking lots (55 stalls), a new access road, railings, signs, and landscaping. The parking lots will be open from dawn to dusk; no buses allowed. There are no restrooms or water fountains.

► July 2006: Maunalua Bay Artificial Reef Additions
In mid-July, concrete anchor blocks (donated by the US Coast Guard) will be added to the artificial reef at Maunalua Bay, which extends about 74 acres and offers a habitat for marine animals. The drop-off areas will be marked with surface floats.

► June 2006: Sewer Work begins along Lunalilo Home Road
Phase 1 of a sewer repair project has begun along Lunalilo Home Road, from Anapalau Street to Kaiser High School, and is expected to take 8 weeks. At the same time, work will begin on shortening the median strip near the Union 76 gas station and Hawaii National Bank building for a longer left-turn lane. Please drive carefully and follow the signs and cones.

Phase 2 of the sewer repair project project, from Kaiser High School to just past Wailua Street, is expected to take 3 weeks. Phase 3 of the project, which should start in October, will run from Hawaii Kai Drive to past Kalanipu'u Street.

► June 2006: Sewer Work in Niu Valley Scheduled
On Monday, June 26, a project to replace a sewer force main along Kalanianaole Hwy in Niu Valley is expected to begin. The new 3,300 foot permanent pipe will be installed underground between Kawaikui Beach Park and Niuki Circle. One lane of traffic will periodically be closed. The project is estimated to cost $9 million and be completed in December. For more information, call Greg Smith at CH2M Hill, 216-8874.

► June 2006: Hawaiian Electric Power Outage
On Thursday, June 1, from approx. 2:15 pm to 5:55 pm, Hawaii Kai residents experienced a power outage. Of the 16 Oahu generators, three units failed and four units were already shut down for maintenance. Businesses and homeowners affected by the blackout have 30 days to file a claim with HECO. For more information, call 543-4624.

► May 2006: Board of Water Supply Rate Increase
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has approved a rate increase of 58% spread over the next five years to cover operating expenses. There will be a 13% rate increase in October 2006, a 12% increase in 2007, a 10% increase in 2008, an 8% increase in 2009, and a 5% increase in 2010. [Rates have not increased since 1995]
Read the Board of Water Supply News Release

► May 2006: Hawaii Kai Right-Turn Lane Traffic Update
To ease the morning commute, the Department of Transportation has proposed a dedicated right-turn lane from Keahole Street to Hawaii Kai Drive onto Kalanianaole Highway. Construction is estimated to be completed in 2008 at a cost of $2.8 million (80% of the cost paid with federal funds). The project will be submitted at the next Legislative session for approval. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 5/1/06.

► April 2006: Maunalua Bay Contaminated Water Warning
On March 31, Hawaii-American Water reported a 5,000 gallon raw sewage spill into the Maunalua Bay near China Wall. Reported in the Honolulu Advertiser 4/1/06.
Read tips about flooding precautions, safety, and hygiene, including a fact sheet about mold from your household, on the Hawaii State Department of Health website.

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