Question: Why is it taking so long to upgrade and refurbish Kanewai Community Park and playground? It’s been approximately two years since they closed the park. Prior it was bustling with workers and activities. Now when I pass by it looks like everything has come to a standstill. Can you please give us an update and possible end date for construction?
Answer: Phase I is nearing completion and, if the work passes inspection, most of the park, including the swimming pool, will reopen this spring.
Phase I includes repair of the pool deck and reconstruction of a retaining wall. With completion in sight, a "pre-final inspection" is scheduled for mid-March, said Mark Yonamine, deputy director of the Department of Design and Construction.
Once the project is substantially completed, the department will turn it over to parks officials.
Then, if the contractor’s work passes inspection, the majority of the park will reopen to the public soon afterward, said Michele Nekota, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Phase II, which includes new lighting and play apparatus and resurfacing the courts, will begin as soon as Phase I is completed.
Phase II is expected to be completed by spring 2016.
The plan is to give the public access to the park while Phase II proceeds.
We explained in May — bit.ly/1BzmzPY — that Kanewai is undergoing extensive reconstruction of deteriorating structures.
In response to complaints at that time that no work was being done, we were told that unexpected structural deficiencies were continuing to be found.
Whenever that happened, the contractor had to stop work until a contract change order was awarded by the city.
"We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to make Kanewai Community Park as accessible and enjoyable as possible,"Nekota said.
The total cost of the project now stands at more than $4.2 million.
Close Construction Co. was given a $3.1 million contract in 2013 to repair deteriorated retaining walls, the recreation building, comfort station walls, walkways and stairs. With the various changeovers, $212,000 has been added to that contract, Yonamine said.
Additionally, Site EngineeringCo. was awarded a $900,000 contract to reconstruct the basketball and volleyball courts, lighting systems, play apparatus and portions of the softball field.
‘Going Green’ Recycling events
Two "Going Green" one-stop drop-off recycling events are scheduled for March: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Farrington High School, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14 at Waianae High School.
Items accepted: computers, monitors, printers and scanners; one TV per car; cellphones; ink cartridges; scrap metal; appliances; three propane tanks; fire extinguishers; heat pumps; all kinds of batteries; used cooking oil; used eyeglasses, hearing aids and white socks; prom dresses, women’s business suits and accessories; pet food, towels, blankets and toys; usable clothing; incandescent light bulbs to swap for CFLs; and HI-5 beverage containers.
Also being accepted: canned goods for the Hawaii Foodbank.
Call Rene Mansho at 291-6151 for more information or for free towing of unwanted cars.
Mahalo
To two young men who helped my husband in January, when he lost his balance and fell in the parking lot of Walmart. I could not pick him up, and they were nice to come to his aid and take him to our car. — Grateful Wife
Mahalo
To the honest person who turned in my rebate check at Costco in Kapolei. I had inadvertently dropped it while shopping. Customer service informed me that someone had found it on the floor and turned it in. Your honesty goes farther than you’ll ever know. May someone someday return the favor to you. — Paula
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