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Question: They came, they put up signs, they did nothing. For years residents of Saint Louis Heights have looked forward to road resurfacing. When “no parking” signs went up a couple months ago, we were filled with gratitude and anticipation. The hassle of finding parking (on some streets prohibited for 24 hours a day) seemed worth it. But then, after a brief flurry of activity, there was none. Nonetheless, the “no parking” signs remained. What’s going on? Why can’t the contractor just put up signs when they are actually needed? Why inconvenience residents when parking on the Heights is already in short supply? It may be cynical, but I suspect that the initial flurry of activity was just a way of encumbering funds that would otherwise lapse at the end of the year. If so, actual work on the project could dribble out over months to come. If that’s the case, so be it. But they should take down the signs in the meantime.
Answer: Your speculation about encumbering funds is “definitely incorrect,” said Mark Yonamine, deputy director of the city’s Department of Design and Construction.
He verified with a site visit Dec. 6 that contractor Maui Kupono Builders is actively paving Saint Louis Heights, having started at the top and “working their way down the hill.”
That said, you are not alone in complaints to Kokua Line about the pace and workmanship of the project, which involves resurfacing and reconstructing asphalt pavement, rebuilding existing curbs and gutters, and other tasks. The work began in November and is expected to continue at least through August.
Besides restricting parking on streets where little or no work appears to be occurring, we’ve heard from readers concerned about broken water lines and confusing or absent traffic directions. One caller asked how to direct complaints to the construction company.
We followed up; Yonamine and a construction manager provided the following information:
>> Based on these complaints, the contractor is being reminded to keep parking restrictions current and to prohibit street parking only as needed. This is true of subcontractors as well.
>> All signs notifying residents of the work, including those on parking barricades, should include contact information for the contractor, which is Thomas Quaccia, P.E., Maui Kupono Builders, 3375 Koapaka St. (in Honolulu); phone: (808) 222-0979; email: thomas@mauikupono.com.
>> A lateral water pipe on Peter Street was hit by a cold planer Dec. 5, at a depth of 11 inches, breaking it. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply repaired the pipe, the hole in the road was filled and the section was paved by the end of the day. As has occurred in other repaving projects on Oahu, underground utilities sometimes are shallower than records indicate, occasionally causing problems for the pavers.
>> Saint Louis Heights needs to be repaved. Streets must be completely clear for crews to do their work on any stretch of road. Residents must abide no-parking restrictions.
>> Residents are encouraged to contact the contractor with continuing (or new) questions or concerns.
Mahalo
On Oct. 28 at the cemetery, my legs were extremely weak. I was unable to stand up. Four men came to my aid. Two men lifted me into my car, which was parked there. I am truly grateful to these men. I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas. — A very grateful senior
Mahalo
Wishing an especially healthy and prosperous 2018 for the honest person who rescued my debit card, which I had forgotten in an ATM at Don Quijote Honolulu on Saturday. Mahalo for taking it to the customer service center! — Randy
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.
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