‘Underground problem’ kept lanes shut last week

Question: Who can I contact to complain about the roadwork on Wai­alae Avenue? A couple times during the workweek during rush hour, they closed one to two lanes at 7 a.m., causing traffic to severely back up on Wai­alae. Why can’t they wait until rush hour is over to minimize the impact?

Answer: All lanes are again open during peak travel times.

During work to repave the main thoroughfare through Kaimuki, all lanes are supposed to reopen each day during the rush hours, said Chris Taka­shige, director of the city Department of Design and Construction. However, last week an “underground problem” caused the roadway to sink, forcing lanes to be closed 24/7.

The contractor had to dig down much deeper and wider than originally contracted and could not safely cover the large pits that were dug, Taka­shige said. That meant the lanes could not be reopened every morning and evening.

However, the Board of Water Supply was able to make repairs Thursday night, and the contractor was able to fill the hole and reopen the lanes Friday night, Taka­shige said Monday.

The sinkhole was the latest in a string of unforeseen problems that have stymied the project.

However, “we are still shooting for a June completion (of the project), but we’ll definitely have more costs,” Taka­shige said. Each underground problem has resulted in delays and added work, which means increased costs.

“We are still working on negotiating these added expenses and don’t have exact figures,” he said.

The project, which began in July 2012, initially was to cost $9.3 million and be completed last December. But continuing problems with unexpected “soft spots” all along Wai­alae have delayed the project at least six months.

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Question: At the University of Hawaii-Hilo, the new $15 million student services building was completed last July but remains locked and empty. We were told the building would open last fall. Why? When will it open for student use?

Answer: The actual cost of the new 43,842-square-foot building is $19.6 million, and it will be ready for full occupancy by the beginning of the fall semester, said Jerry Chang, UH-Hilo director of university relations.

It was completed at the end of 2013 but could not be occupied “because ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements were changed during construction,” he said.

The changes had to do with the weight of the doors and the pressure that has to be applied to open them.

“The standard for accessibility is that if a person were in a wheelchair, had a physical disability or were otherwise mobility impaired, that she/he could still enter the offices,” Chang said.

Twenty-three doors, mostly to interior offices, had to be replaced at a cost of $227,817, including labor for removal and installation.

The building originally was budgeted at $17,073,000, but the cost increased to $19.6 million. However, the increased cost, including redoing the doors, was part of “the budgeted allowance,” Chang said.

The Division of Student Affairs has moved into the building, and the Cashier’s Office will do so in March, he said.

Over the next few months, these offices will move in: Global & Intercultural Education, Disability Services, the Minority Access & Achievement Program, TRIO Student Success Programs, the Women’s Center, Student Health & Wellness (Counseling Services and Health Promotions only), the Veterans Students Center, the Office of Applied Learning Experiences, Advising & Counseling Development Services, the Admissions Office, the Financial Aid Office, the Office of the Registrar and New Student Programs.

MAHALO

Belatedly, to officer Clarence Neves from the Kalihi Police Station. I had a flat tire near Kalihi-Kai School, and officer Neves came to my rescue. He was professional, efficient and courteous. Kudos to HPD. I’m late but I haven’t forgotten. — Grateful Senior Citizen

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