Question: What is going on with the Ala Wai driving range? … The work has been going on for so long already. …
Answer: The popular driving range at Ala Wai Golf Course reopened Monday, after a yearlong closure to improve stormwater drainage as required under federal water-quality standards, according to a news release from the city.
The 7-acre driving range was replanted, a new irrigation system was put in, and bioswales and detention basins were installed to capture, filter and treat rainwater runoff, the release said.
The goal is to have most rainwater percolate into the ground, rather than flow directly into the adjacent Ala Wai Canal, according to earlier news stories about this extensive project, which attracted attention from other readers dismayed that the driving range was closed for so long. About 200 golfers a day practiced there before the extensive work, which did not shutter the golf course itself.
Early reviews about the improvements are “very positive,” said Andrew Pereira, a spokesman for the mayor who confirmed that the driving range reopened Monday at 6:30 a.m.
It is open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to midnight Fridays through Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to midnight on Thursdays.
The fee is $6 for a small bucket of golf balls and $8 for a large bucket. Kamaaina and visitors pay the same price.
For more information, call 738-4653 or see 808ne.ws/2gvKYPD. The Ala Wai Golf Course is located at 404 Kapahulu Ave.
More on condo flood insurance
An item in Friday’s column about flood insurance for high-rise buildings (808ne.ws/2h7NxHm) prompted replies from several readers, some of whom complained about what they described as onerous requirements and others who appreciated the information, especially about the National Flood Insurance Program.
We also heard from Honolulu attorney Philip L. Lahne, who has expertise in real-estate law, community-association law and landlord-tenant law. He noted that Hawaii law has plenty to say on this topic, augmenting the original column. Here’s his useful email:
“It might have been helpful for at least one of the sources you contacted to point out that the Condominium Property Act, Chapter 514B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically states that among other insurance requirements, ‘Flood insurance shall also be maintained if the property is located in a special flood hazard area as delineated on flood maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The flood insurance policy shall comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Insurance Administration.’ That being the case, a project in a special flood hazard area whose master policy does not include flood insurance that complies with NFIP and FIA requirements is not complying with Chapter 514B, in addition to the points made by Ms. Tyau-Beam regarding lenders’ requirements.”
(Carol Tyau-Beam, quoted in the earlier article, is Hawaii’s NFIP coordinator).
For more on Hawaii condominium law, see 808ne.ws/2g3CKNJ.
Commercial drivers: Plan ahead
Commercial drivers looking to renew their licenses or permits should know that the commercial driver’s licensing office at 99-501 Salt Lake Blvd. near Aloha Stadium will be closed Wednesday due to events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“Due to limited space, the Stadium Authority will need full control of its parking lot” for Dec. 7 events, according to a state Department of Transportation news release.
The Aiea CDL office will reopen on Thursday. The Kaneohe testing location will be open as usual on Wednesday, the DOT said.
Mahalo
Mahalo to Mark, who arranged a most wonderful surprise treat for my granddaughter and me at Morimoto Waikiki on Oct. 30. I really appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness, Mark. God bless you and wishing you all the best.
— A grateful senior and her granddaughter
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
