City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/16/11 Traffic Advisory: HART Archaeological Survey Work in Urban Honolulu

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY WORK IN URBAN HONOLULU   (Fri.. December 16, 2011) — Archaeological survey work in the urban Honolulu area for the rail transit project has been suspended for the holiday season. Work will resume Tuesday, January 3, 2012.   The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holidays!   -30-

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/15/11 2012 Oahu Real Property Assessments Released

2012 OAHU REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS RELEASED   (Wed., Dec. 15, 2011)—The total gross assessed valuation of all taxable real property on Oahu has increased from $178.26 billion to $180.15 billion, an overall increase of 1.01 percent, and the City has mailed real property assessments for 2012. New developments, including residential subdivisions, condominiums, commercial and industrial projects, and construction of new buildings and improvements to existing parcels, were the primary contributing factors for the overall increase.   Residential property gross valuations increased from $144.02 billion to $145.05 billion or 0.7 percent. Hotel and resort property values increased 2.7 percent; commercial property values increased 4.4 percent while industrial property values dropped .5 percent. These percentage changes represent broad totals while the change in the assessed value of a particular property could be more or less than the island-wide figures.   The City sent approximately 290,000 real property assessment notices for 2012 to property owners this week. The 2012 assessed valuations were set as of October 1, 2011, and are based on sales of similar properties in each neighborhood through June 30, 2011.   The assessment notice is not a tax bill, but a statement of what the City has determined to be the property's value. This notice includes property assessment information, including any exemption which the owner has been granted in accordance with a City ordinance. The standard owner-occupied homeowner's exemption is $80,000 and increases to $120,000 for homeowners 65 years of age or older.   The net taxable or net assessed value is one of the two components used to calculate the real property taxes for next fiscal year of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The other component is the tax rate. The tax rate will be set by the City Council during June of 2012, as it finalizes the City budget for fiscal year 2013. The real property tax bill of an individual property is determined by multiplying the net assessed valuation by the appropriate tax rate and the application of any tax credits.   Property owners who have not received their 2012 Assessment Notice by December 31, 2011, are advised to contact the Real Property Assessment Division at: Real Property Assessment Division 842 Bethel, Basement Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone:  768-3799 Real Property Assessment Division 1000 Uluohia Street, #206 Kapolei, Hawaii 96707 Phone: 768-3169             Owners who wish to dispute their real property assessments may file appeals from December 15, 2011 to January 17, 2012.  For more information, call (808) 768-3799 or visit the Real Property Assessment Division's website at www.realpropertyhonolulu.com and click the "Assessment Appeals" link.     The Real Property Assessment Division's website offers online services to reduce paper and postage costs while providing increased efficiencies. Property owners may now receive their real property assessment notices via email, and may file online for home exemptions or real property tax appeals.   Visit www.realpropertyhonolulu.com to use the division's online services and view additional information regarding tax records, exemptions, and tax billing information.   Questions regarding real property assessment may be directed to the Real Property Assessment Division at (808) 768-3799 or emailed to bfsrpmailbox@honolulu.gov .   -30-   Media contact: Gary Kurokawa, Real Property Assessment Administrator, 768-7901

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/15/11 Road Work Weekly Report

ROAD WORK WEEKLY REPORT   (Thurs., December 15, 2011) − Scheduled road work for the week beginning December 18, 2011, for the Department of Design construction, Civil Division (Construction Management Branch), and Wastewater Division (Construction Management Branch) is listed below.  Road work is normally done between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM unless otherwise noted.   AIEA Aiea Heights Drive Emergency Roadway Improvements:  Work includes road/slope stabilization and pavement resurfacing/rehabilitation (incl. installation of metal guardrail and plastic lumber lagging) below Analio Place and above the horseshoe turn.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   AINA HAINA Kalanianaole Highway Sewer System Improvement:  CIPP rehabilitation of 24" and 30" sewer lines along Kalanianaole Highway between Wailupe Beach Park and Paiko Drive.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   HALAWA Foster Village Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction:  Installation of new 8" and 12" sewer lines and a sewer manhole along Piikea Street, Haloa Drive, Olino Street, Hakupapa Street, Punihi Street, and Palanihu Place.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   HAWAII KAI Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Ainakoa Dr, Halekoa Dr, Hind Iuka Dr, Hao St, Kuliouou Rd, Keahole St, Kaluanui Rd, Kealahou St, Halemaumau St, Naio St, Kainui Dr.  Paving Halekoa Dr, Kealahou and Hao St.   Repair Kalapaki Street Drainage Ditch Wall – Vicinity of 977 Kalapaki Street:  Removal and disposal of existing concrete ditch wall and slab.  Construction of new reinforced concrete ditch wall and slab.  Installation of new chain link fence.  Repair crack and spalled concrete on existing wall.             (Estimated completion date, January 2012)   Kipu Ditch Storm Drainage Improvements – Vincinity of Kamiloiki Community Park and Kamiloiki Elementary School.  Reconstruction of existing drainage ditch; spall and delamination repairs along portion of drainage ditch; installation of new chain link fence; planting of new trees and biobarrier installation; tree and root pruning and removal of trees, shrubs and hedges for new drainage ditch.             (Estimated completion date, February 2012)   Curb Ramps at Various Locations, FY 2010 (A) – Lunalilo Home Road between Hawaii Kai Dr. and Kalanipuu St.:  Construction of new curb ramps, sidewalks and A.C. pavement transition.  Relocation of existing regulatory/street signs. Adjustment of utility boxes.  Installation of pavement striping, markings and markers.             (Estimated completion date, December 2011)   HONOLULU Houghtailing Street Area Sewer Rehabilitation:  Installation and rehabilitation of sewer lines and construction of new manholes along School Street.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Kalakaua Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation:  Installation of new 8" and 10" sewer line along Kalakaua Avenue between Philip Street and Kapiolani.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Kalihi/Nuuanu Area Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 1A and 1C:  New sewer line and manhole installation on Dillingham Blvd, Puuhale Road, Mokauea Street, and Kalihi Street.  Lane closures Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Kanewai St, Kaluawaa St, Kamakini St, Waiomao Rd, 8th Ave, 9th Ave, Paalea St, Kalua Rd, Mahana St, Kiwila St.  Finished paving Kanewai St, Kaluawaa St and Kamakini St. Adjusting manholes, permanent striping and detector loops to follow.   Rehabilitation of Streets Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity IDIQ #3 – Kapahulu: 4th ave, 5th ave, Hookipa Way, Pahoa Ave, Kaimuki Ave, Olu St, Mokihana St, Paliuli St and Charles St. and Kulamanu Place.  The scope of work to be performed by the Contractor under this contract may include, but is not limited to: cold planning; slurry seal; crack seal; reconstructing curb and gutters/rolled curbs; resetting of lava rock curbs; aboricultural work; adjusting street survey monuments, utility manholes/boxes, frames and covers; installing pavement striping and markings; and reinstalling vehicle detector loops. Will finish slurry seal first week of December             (Estimated completion date, June  2013)   Miscellaneous Drainage Improvements at Various Locations – Kealia Drive (Kamehameha Heights)  Construct concrete drain manholes, concrete drain catch basins, connect to existing drain line, install drain pipes, and relocate existing waterline.             (Estimated Completion Date, continuing through December 2011)   Miscellaneous Drainage Improvements at Various Locations – Lokahi Street (McCully)  Construct concrete drain inlets, concrete drain catch basins, connect to existing drain line, and install drain pipes.             (Estimated Completion Date, January 2012)   Mokauea Street Improvements between North King Street and Dillingham Boulevard:  Reconstruction concrete curbs and gutters, driveway and some sidewalks; construct new curb ramps; reconstruct and resurface asphalt roadway.  Post paving activities include installation of permanent pavement markings, adjust utilities to finish grade, and re-install traffic loop detectors.             (Estimated Completion January 2012)   Sewer Manhole and Pipe Rehabilitation at Various Locations – Phase 2:  Various manhole rehabilitation along Nimitz Highway between Pacific Street and Sumner Street.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Curb Ramps at Various Locations, FY 2009 (B), Palolo and Kaimuki:  Construction of new curb ramps, sidewalks and A.C. transition.  Relocation of existing regulatory/street signs. Installation of pavement striping, markings and markers.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Peterson Lane and Pua Lane Sewer Rehabilitation:  New sewer line and manhole installation in complete on King Street (between Dillingham Blvd. and Peterson Lane), Pua Lane and Peterson Lane.  Repaving of King, Peterson and Pua Lane is complete. Punchlist items and reconstruction of Tamashiro Market driveway remain.  One lane in each direction will be closed Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Queen Street Roadway Improvements – Queen Street, Diamend Head side of Queen Street and Punchbowl Street intersection:  Demolition and reconstruction of existing concrete bus pad, curb ramps, sidewalk, curb and gutter, and thru gutter.  Cold planing, resurfacing and reconstruction of A.C. pavement.  Adjustment of utility manhole frames and covers.  Installation of pavement striping, markings and markers.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Saint Louis Heights Sewer Rehabilitation:  Installation of cured in place pipe (CIPP), manhole rehabilitation, and lateral rehabilitation throughout Saint Louis Heights.  The contractor will also install new sewer lines via pipe bursting at 3 locations along Saint Louis Drive and one easement location between Saint Louis Drive and Frank Street.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Wilhelmina Rise Sewer Rehabilitation:  Installation of cured in place pipe (CIPP), lateral rehabilitation, and replacement of sewer lines by open trench.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   KAILUA Rehabilitation of Streets Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity IDIQ #3 – Aikahi Park.  The scope of work to be performed by the Contractor under this contract may include, but is not limited to: cold planning; slurry seal; crack seal; reconstructing curb and gutters/rolled curbs; resetting of lava rock curbs; aboricultural work; adjusting street survey monuments, utility manholes/boxes, frames and covers; installing pavement striping and markings; and reinstalling vehicle detector loops.  Slurry seal completed.  Kaneohe Bay Drive repair completed.             (Estimated completion date, June 2013)   Curb Ramps at Various Locations, FY 2010 (A) – Hele St./Liku St., Hele St./Mowai St., Hele St./Kina St., Kina St./Loho St., Kina St./Kupau St., Apokula St./Apokula Pl., Apokula St./Kupau St., Kuloaa Pl./Kupau St., Kupau St./Kupau Pl., Hele St./Loho St., and Hele St./Mapuana St.:  Construction of new curb ramps, sidewalks and A.C. pavement transition.  Relocation of existing regulatory/street signs. Adjustment of utility boxes.  Installation of pavement striping, markings and markers.             (Estimated completion date, December 2011)   Wanaao Road/Keolu Drive Reconstructed Sewer:  Installation of new sewer line along Wanaao Road between Hahani Street and Aoloa Road.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   KANEOHE Flood Control Improvements at Various Locations FY 2008 – Kaneohe, Kailua & Waipio:  Demolish and reconstruct new concrete and asphalt concrete ramps and driveways.  Repair existing concrete ditch and adjust utility frames, covers and boxes to finish grade.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Rehabilitation of Streets Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity IDIQ #3 – Kaneohe: Mokulele Dr and Kaneohe Bay Dr.  The scope of work to be performed by the Contractor under this contract may include, but is not limited to: cold planning; slurry seal; crack seal; reconstructing curb and gutters/rolled curbs; resetting of lava rock curbs; aboricultural work; adjusting street survey monuments, utility manholes/boxes, frames and covers; installing pavement striping and markings; and reinstalling vehicle detector loops.  Slurry sealing at Mokulele Drive.             (Estimated completion date, June 2013)   Miscellaneous Storm Drainage Improvements at Wailele Road Outlet:  Construction of a new 6' x 5' box culvert, drop manhole, impact-stilling basin, and concrete pavement; waterline relocation; installation of 6' and 4' chain link fencing and gates, and metal guard rail.             (Estimated completion date, February 2012)   MAKAKILO Curb Ramps at Various Locations, FY 2010 (A) – Anipeahi St./Palailai St.:  Construction of new curb ramps, sidewalks and A.C. pavement transition.  Relocation of existing regulatory/street signs. Adjustment of utility boxes.  Installation of pavement striping, markings and markers.             (Estimated completion date, December 2011)   Rehabilitation of Streets Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity IDIQ #3 – Honokai Hale.  The scope of work to be performed by the Contractor under this contract may include, but is not limited to: cold planning; slurry seal; crack seal; reconstructing curb and gutters/rolled curbs; resetting of lava rock curbs; aboricultural work; adjusting street survey monuments, utility manholes/boxes, frames and covers; installing pavement striping and markings; and reinstalling vehicle detector loops.  Slurry seal completed.             (Estimated completion date, June 2013)   NUUANU Rehabilitation of Kimo Drive Bridge Over Nuuanu Stream, Bridge No. 260  Repair of spalls, concrete guardrails and bridge girders.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   PUPUKEA Pupukea Road Rockfall Mitigation Phase I – Pupukea, Oahu:  The work consists of clearing vegetation within the project limits, scaling boulders and unstable rocks or installing rock dowels (where appropriate), applying shotcrete (where required), installing rock fall protection fences, drapery system and landscaping. One traffic lane will be closed during work hours at Pupukea Road with police performing traffic control duties.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   SALT LAKE Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Ala Mahamoe St, Ala Lilikoi St, Ala Napunani St, Salt Lake Blvd, Kanewai St, Kaluawaa St, Kamakini St, Waiomao Rd, Ala Alii St, Anapa St, Haloa Sr, Halupa St, Holapa St, Kukila Pl, Kukila St, Laakea Pl, Laakea St, Lehia St, Loina Pl, Luapele Dr, Luapele Pl, Mahie Pl, Mahie St, Molehu Dr, Molina St, Naulu Pl, Olaloa St, Olino St, Opua St, Palahinu Pl, Piikea Pl, Piikea St, Puanakau St, Ukali St, Uila St, Wawe Pl, Kahikolu Pl, Kahikolu Way, Likini St, Makaala St, Manuwa Dr, Miko St, Pakini St, Ukana St, Wanaka St.  Finished paving Salt Lake area. Adjusting manholes, placing permanent striping and detector loops in various streets of Halawa and Salt Lake Blvd remain.   WAHIAWA Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 58 – California Avenue (Kamehameha Highway to mauka end of California Avenue):  Cold planing; resurfacing and reconstruction of asphalt concrete pavement; adjustment of utility manhole frames and covers; installation of pavement markings and vehicle loop detectors; reconstruction of existing concrete curbs, gutters, berms, sidewalks and Driveways; and construction of concrete and asphalt concrete bus pads.             (Estimated completion date, March 2012)   WAIANAE Mailiili Stream Flood Control Improvements – Near Halona Road and Puuhulu Road:  Removal and reconstruction of damaged concrete channel lining, construction of new channel access ramp near Halona Road Bridge, and construction of overflow side-drains on the channel banks.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   WAIKIKI Beachwalk Force Main Phase I:  2 Staging pits to be constructed along Ala Wai Boulevard from Kalakaua towards Ala Moana Boulevard for the microtunneling installation of new sewer line.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   Curb Ramps at Various Locations, FY 2010 (A) – Paoa Place (Hilton Hawaiian Village Third Driveway):  Construction of new curb ramp and A.C. pavement transition.             (Estimated completion date, December 2011)   WAIPAHU Waipahu Street/Plantation Village Sewer Reconstruction:  Installation of new sewer lines and manholes along Waipahu Street between Awamoi and Mokuola.             (Estimated completion date, continuing through December 2011)   PARADES, WALKS, RACES AND OTHER STREET CLOSURES   December 18, 2011 Sunday 5:30AM Starts 9:30AM Ends HOMEWARD BOUND 5K RUN/WALK sponsored by Institute for Human Services (IHS). The event is expected to have 350 runners/walkers.  It will start at Manoa Rec Center, to Pawaina St., to Pakanu St., to East Manoa Rd., to Oahu Ave., to Lowrey Ave., and finish at Manoa Rec Center.  Contact:  Gaylen Shintaku 447-2830, Fax:  845-7190 E-mail:  gaylens@ihs-hawaii.org   December 18, 2011 Sunday 2:00PM Starts 3:30PM Ends MOANALUA VALLEY CHRISTMAS CARAVAN sponsored by Moanalua Valley Community Association. The event is expected to have 6 vehicles.  It will start at Moanalua Valley Neihborhood Park, to Ala Aolani St., to entrance of Moanalua Valley near the Golf Course and return to the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park.  Contact:  Matthew Young 722-3447, Fax:  531-8028, E-mail:  matty@pixi.com   December 18, 2011 Sunday 2:30PM Starts 3:30PM Ends OLOMANA  CHRISTMAS PARADE sponsored by Olomana Community Association. The event is expected to have 30+ marchers, & 10 vehicles.  It will start at Maunawili Elementary School, to Ulupii St., to Ulupuni St., to Uluohao St.,  to Uluhala St., to Ulupuni St., to Ulukou St., end at Maunawili Elem School.  Contact:  Leslie Kobayashi  541-1331, Fax:  541-1386, E-mail:  leslie_kobayashi@hid.uscourts.gov   December 20, 2011 Tuesday 5:30PM Starts 6:30PM Ends CHANNUKAH CARAVAN sponsored by Chabad of Hawaii. The event is expected to have 30+ vehicles.  It will start Kaimuki High School Parking Lot, to Kapiolani Blvd., to South/Alapai Sts., to S. Beretania St., to Bishop St., to Ala Moana Blvd., to Ala Moana Blvd., to Kalakaua Ave., to Kapahulu Ave., to Kuhio Ave., to end at King Kalakaua Park, some vehicles to park on Kalakaua Ave and others to leave.  Participant vehicles will follow all traffic rules and regulations.  Contact:  Boruch DuBrow 310-691-6092, E-mail:  labochur@gmail.com  For further info check their website:  www.chabadhawaii.com   - 30 -   Contact: Department of Design and Construction, Civil Design Division, Construction Management - 768-8839, Wastewater Management Division, Construction Management - 768-8794, Department of Transportation Services, TST Division 768-8391.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/14/11 Mayor Carlisle To Honor Veterans During Parade On Saturday

MAYOR CARLISLE TO HONOR VETERANS DURING PARADE ON SATURDAY (Wed., Dec. 14, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle will honor distinguished World War II veterans during a special Victory Parade this Saturday in Waikiki to commend recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal and others. "The City and County of Honolulu is a strong supporter of our military and our veterans, and we look forward to this opportunity to express our gratitude to our heroes," Carlisle said. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday (December 17, 2011) at Fort DeRussy, and proceed down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. The parade will pause at the intersection of Kalakaua and Seaside avenues, where Carlisle will conduct an honorary ceremony.  The parade will begin the "Hawaii Salute to the Congressional Gold Medal Veterans," a two-day event commemorating the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal this year to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service. The parade will also honor the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Veterans of the honored military units will ride trolleys in the parade, which will also include the Royal Hawaiian Band, military bands, representatives of each branch of the armed forces, and ROTC members from the University of Hawaii and several Oahu high schools. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation's highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. The 100th and 442nd were recognized for their unmatched combat record during World War II, and the MIS was recognized for the work of its interpreters, translators and spies. The vast majority of soldiers in these units were Americans of Japanese ancestry from Hawaii and the mainland who had volunteered for military service. Although not included in the Congressional Gold Medal award, the 1399th has long been recognized for its outstanding record of completing 54 major projects in Hawaii during the war.  On Sunday, December 18, the veterans will participate in a memorial service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, which begins at 9 a.m. For more information, go to www.congressionalgoldmedalhawaii.com. -30- Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/12/11 We're Off To See The Wizard At Honolulu City Lights

WE'RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD AT HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS (Mon., December 12, 2011)—The City and County of Honolulu and the Friends of Honolulu City Lights have added a new feature to this year's Honolulu City Lights celebration with a free screening of The Wizard of Oz near Sky Gate on the Fasi Civic Center grounds on Saturday, December 17 at 7 p.m.             Families and movie buffs have an opportunity to watch the classic 1939 film on a 21' x 21' screen. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks and vendors on the grounds.             "This is yet another opportunity for families to get together and celebrate this holiday season," said Kaleve Iosefa, who is heading Honolulu City Lights. "This event is in its 27th year but we have never had a movie night before. We invite residents and visitors to bring their fold up chairs and picnic mats and enjoy the film under the stars."                 Starring Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy and her dog Toto on their travels to the magical land of Oz after being caught up in a tornado. Dorothy meets many memorable friends and foes in her journey to reach the Wizard who she feels will help her return home and grant her friends a brain, heart and courage. The film also stars Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger and Frank Morgan.               Also on Saturday night, Kraft Foods Hawaii will offer free photos with Santa at the Gingerbread House in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. -30-  Media Contact: Vernon Thompson, Customer Services Department, 768-3737.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/13/11 HART Statement Regarding Federal Preliminary Court Ruling

HART STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL PRELIMINARY COURT RULING   (Mon., December 12, 2011) — The City Department of Corporation Counsel issued the following statement in response to a federal judge's preliminary ruling in an ongoing lawsuit against the Honolulu rail transit project:   "The Court's ruling today was expected given Judge Tashima's preliminary ruling and statements at the hearing about the limited scope of the record that at this time did not allow sufficient information for the Court to fully decide the disputed issues.   "Despite the City's efforts to streamline the case early in the process by asking the Court to remove Plaintiffs Cayetano, Heen, Roth and the Small Business Hawaii Entrepreneurial Education Foundation, who completely failed to participate in the lengthy administrative process leading to the FTA's approval of the project, the Court determined that the motion was premature at this stage of the case.   "Once the full administrative record for the case is compiled and made available so that it confirms that each of the four Plaintiffs did not in fact participate in the EIS process and that none of the Plaintiffs raised issues regarding a number of the properties that form the basis of certain claims in the Complaint, Defendants expect to renew the motion."   -30-   Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa. (808) 768-6172. cell: (808) 227-2350

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/12/11 City Dedicates New Elephant Exhibit

CITY DEDICATES NEW ELEPHANT EXHIBIT (Mon., Dec. 12, 2011)— Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced the grand opening of the Honolulu Zoo's new 1.5 acre Asian Tropical Elephant exhibit, which is nine times larger than the previous enclosure.             "This new exhibit is a great addition to our world class zoo," Carlisle said. "The new enclosure will beautifully showcase our Asian elephants, Mari and Vaigai, and enhance the viewing experience for our residents and visitors."             The total size of the new exhibit is substantially larger at 68,244 square feet. It includes a 7,260 square foot holding area and two 55,000 gallon pools.             Mari and Vaigai recently moved into their new quarters and are comfortable with their expanded space. The Zoo's staff prepared the elephants for the move by walking them over the past two months from their old enclosure to the new exhibit along the zoo's service road which borders Monsarrat Avenue.             "The first time the elephants were taken to their new home, Mari played in the dirt while Vaigai seemed more interested in enjoying her new pool," Honolulu Zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo said. "It's a pleasure to watch our elephants get more exercise and explore the new exhibit."             Once Mari and Vaigai became acclimated to their new surroundings, the staff established exhibit routines and the elephants were given access to the exhibit unsupervised.              Mari was born in 1975 in Hyderabad, India. Vaigai, named after the river Vaigai, was born in 1985 in Madras, India. Both elephants came to the Honolulu Zoo through the efforts of Sheila and David Watumull as gifts to the children of Hawaii by the family of Indira Ghandi.             The new exhibit cost approximately $12 million and was completed by Watts Constructors LLC. The consulting designer was SSFM International, Inc. with The Limtiaco Consulting Group managing the exhibit construction.                 -30- Media contact:  Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/12/11 HART Traffic Advisory: Honolulu Archaeological Survey Work Lane Closures

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: LANE CLOSURES FOR HART ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY WORK IN URBAN HONOLULU   (Mon., December 12, 2011) — The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) wants to inform drivers that archaeological survey work continues next week in the urban Honolulu area for the rail transit project.   Motorists are advised of lane closures related to the survey work being conducted in the Kalihi, downtown Honolulu, and Kaka'ako areas.   Work will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours, including possible night work in approved areas. For the safety of both the work crews and motorists, the public is advised to proceed with caution through these areas. Drivers should anticipate possible traffic delays or use alternate routes during work hours.   Work for the week of Monday, December 12 will take place at the following locations between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.:   Cooke Street from Halekauwila Street to Pohukaina Street Pohukaina Street from South Street to Cooke Street Punchbowl Street from Halekauwila Street to Nimitz Highway   Motorists are advised to drive with caution and provide a safe distance between themselves and the construction workers and vehicles.   The City is conducting the archaeological survey work along the urban Honolulu section of the Honolulu rail transit route to identify potential archaeological, historical and cultural resources. The archaeological work will aid rail project staff in their design of the elevated rail guideway.   Trenching work will take place through Summer 2012 at various locations along the Honolulu rail route between Middle Street in Kalihi and Ala Moana Center. Contractors Cultural Surveys Hawaii Inc. and Royal Contracting Co. are conducting the fieldwork.   The survey work will be completed before rail construction begins in the urban Honolulu area, as specified under the rail project's programmatic agreement relating to cultural and historic resources. For updates on construction work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.   -30-   Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa.(808) 768-6172, cell: (808) 227-2350.