City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 10/21/11 Waikiki Sidewalk Project Completed On Time

WAIKIKI SIDEWALK PROJECT COMPLETED ON TIME   (Fri., Oct. 21, 2011)— Mayor Peter Carlisle today inspected sidewalks on Kalakaua Avenue, which are now open to the public after eight months of extensive improvements.   The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) started work in March 2011 because sidewalk tiles were missing or had become loose, which created unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Trees had also lifted the sidewalk and impacted existing irrigation and electrical systems. In addition, the DDC addressed compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and deteriorating sidewalk drainage.   This is the first phase of reconstruction of the public sidewalks in selected areas along Kalakaua Avenue from Pau Street to Liliuokalani Avenue. Improvements include paving, landscaping, irrigation and electrical improvements within the public right-of-way. The second phase will be to design remaining areas of Kalakaua Avenue when funds become available   "The City is glad to reopen our sidewalks to our residents and visitors," said Carlisle. "This improvement project, which was planned before the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, is also a result of public private partnerships."   The City had invited all private owners to participate in the design process and upgrade to their properties. The construction costs of the private property upgrades were paid for by the property owners. By including the private properties within the overall design, the City was able to better address ADA and sidewalk drainage, and to create a more cohesive urban design character.    Planter areas were enlarged and consolidated to allow adequate root growth to insure the health of the trees, lessen the probability of roots lifting the sidewalk in the future, contain irrigation water more effectively, and act as a drainage area for sidewalk surface runoff. This will improve overall maintenance. General upkeep of the public sidewalk and landscaping is performed under agreement with the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association.   The City's contractor for the improvement project is Kaikor Construction Company, Inc., and the work cost $5.55 million. -30-   Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.