Friday, March 16, 2012

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/16/12 Short Range Transit Plan Meetings Scheduled
 

SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN MEETINGS SCHEDULED

 

(Fri., March 16, 2012)—The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will hold a series of public informational meetings on the recently completed draft of the Short Range Transit Service Operations Plan. DTS is in the process of developing and implementing the plan to improve the effectiveness of TheBus and TheHandi-Van.

 

The Short Range Transit Plan is intended to map transit's role to support enhanced mobility for Oahu's residents and visitors, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a transit-based strategy to create livable communities. To accomplish this, the plan's focus is on mitigating operational problems in the near term and setting the stage for fixed guideway service. The Plan identifies and recommends service improvements for existing bus and paratransit services. It also serves as a tool to prioritize capital improvements, including acquisition of replacement and expansion service buses and paratransit vans.

 

Regional meetings are scheduled for the convenience of transit patrons and the public. The Plan is available for review at http://www1.honolulu.gov/dts/short-range-transit-plan.htm. Persons requiring special accommodation at the meetings, such as large print materials or sign language interpreter, are asked to call DTS at 768-8362 by Tuesday, March 20, 2012. 

 

CENTRAL/MILILANI/WAHIAWA/HALEIWA

Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 7 p.m., Wahiawa Recreation Center, 1139 Kilani Avenue

 

KAPOLEI/EWA/LEEWARD COAST/WAIPAHU/PEARL CITY

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 7 p.m., Kapolei Hale, 1000 Uluohia Street, Conference Room A

 

WAIKIKI/MAKIKI/KAHALA/DOWNTOWN/EAST HONOLULU

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7 p.m., Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street

 

WINDWARD OAHU

Monday, April 2, 2012, 7 p.m., Ben Parker Elementary School, 45-269 Waikalua Road

 

SALT LAKE/KALIHI/AIRPORT/AIEA

Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 7 p.m., Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila Street

 

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Contact: Eric Stoetzer, Department of Transportation Services, at 768-8362 or estoezer@honolulu.gov

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/16/12 Culture and Arts Production Grants Available
 

CULTURE AND ARTS PRODUCTION GRANTS AVAILABLE

 

(Fri., March 16, 2012) − The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) is requesting proposals from cultural and arts organizations seeking support for the creation of newly developed artistic works or the preservation of cultural heritage through artistic works. Mayor's Production Grants, which awards up to $5,000, are available to assist organizations in the fields of dance, theater, music, short film, and literature (to include language.)

 

The grants will be awarded to organizations located in the City and County of Honolulu for projects benefiting the people on Oahu. Grant support is intended to provide partial funding for a project. Grants are limited and highly competitive. The deadline for proposals is Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

 

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be a tax-exempt, publicly supported, and charitable organization by determination of the IRS. Guidelines and applications are available through MOCA, Mission Memorial Building, 550 South King Street, and at http://www1.honolulu.gov/moca/news.htm.

 

 

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Media Contact: Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts at (808) 768-6622.

 

Thursday, March 15, 2012

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/15/12 Kailua Beach Park And Ka'elepulu Stream Temporary Closure
 

KAILUA BEACH PARK AND KA'ELEPULU STREAM TEMPORARY CLOSURE

 

(Thurs., March 15, 2012)—Parts of the Kailua Beach Park shoreline, between the boat ramp and Ka'elepulu Stream, will close temporarily beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Friday, March 23, 2012, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for sand replenishment.  The boat ramp and the unimproved boat parking lots will be closed as well.

 

            The City will augment the beach with sand from Ka'elepulu Stream. 

 

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Media contact: Department of Parks and Recreation Windward District Manager Miles Hazama, 233-7300.

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/15/12 HART Statement Regarding Continued Federal Support
 

HART STATEMENT REGARDING CONTINUED FEDERAL SUPPORT

FOR HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT

 

(Thu., March 15, 2012) − HART board chairwoman Carrie Okinaga and interim executive director Toru Hamayasu issued the following statement in response to comments made today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood regarding his continued commitment to the Honolulu rail project:

"We are grateful for the continued support of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. His testimony today before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development reinforces the federal commitment to seeing the project through. This latest assurance shows that city and federal officials continue to work closely together in moving this project forward."

 

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Video footage of Secretary LaHood's testimony today on the Honolulu rail project can be found at:

http://youtu.be/Nlk3DH_YJrA

 

A copy of Sen. Inouye's press release can be viewed at: http://inouye.senate.gov/Press/031512pr01.cfm

 

 

Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa, (808) 768-6172, cell: (808) 227-2350.

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/15/12 Road Work Weekly Report
 

ROAD WORK WEEKLY REPORT

 

(Thu., March 15, 2012) − Scheduled road work for the week beginning March 18, 2012, 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

Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Honomanu St.

Paving Honomanu St.  Permanent striping, adjusting manhole and installing traffic detector loops to follow.

 

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.  Adjusting manholes and permanent striping to follow.

 

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, March 2012)

 

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 March 2012)

 

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 March 2012)

 

Kalihi/Nuuanu Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 1J (Area 8 – Pacific Heights)  Rehabilitation of approximately 1,400 linear feet of 6" and 2,300 linear feet of 8" sewer lines by cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) method.  A number of deteriorated manholes will also be repaired.  Star Road, Pacific Heights Road, Laniloa Road, Booth Road, and Hiolani Place will be affected.  Construction signs and police traffic control will be present.

            (Estimated completion date, March 2013)

 

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.

 

King Street Reconstruction between River Street and Bethel Street, Chinatown:  Rehabilitation of sewer lines and select laterals, sewer manhole frame and cover replacement, excavation; Installation and backfill for new 6", 8" & 12" water lines, fire hydrants, valves, manholes; Installation and backfill for new 6" drain lines, inlets and manhole connections; Excavation and backfill for new gas lines; Demonish existing concrete and A.C. pavements to install new work and adjust manholes & valves boxes to grade. Work will include portions of River Street, Kekaulike Street, Maunakea Street, Smith Street, Nuuanu Street and Bethel Street where they intersect with King Street. Multiple lane closures Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

            (Estimated completion date, May 2013)

 

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, continuing through March 2012)

 

Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 6A – McCully, Makiki, Moilili Areas  The work includes localized reconstruction of pavement and resurfacing of the streets indicated below; reconstruction of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and driveways are included; tree trimming, pruning and removal will be performed as necessary; post paving activities include permanent pavement markings and adjustment of utility manhole frames and covers to grade.  The affected roadways and limits of work are as follows:

 

Ahana Street, from Liona Street to Rycroft Street, Akala Lane, from King Street to Young Street, Akoko Street, from King Street to Young Street, Alder Street, from King Street to Kamaile Street, Algaroba Street, from Lokahi Street to 2128 Algaroba Street, Alohi Way, from Pensacola Street to Piikoi Street, Amana Street, from Kanunu Street to Makaloa Street, Artesian Street, from King Street to H-1 Freeway, Beverly Court, from Kinau Street to end, Bingham Street, from 360' East of Isenberg Street to Kaialiu Street, Birch Street, from King Street to Kamaile Street

 

Cedar Street, from Rycroft Street to makai end, Church Lane, from King Street to end, Citron Street, from Isenberg Street to ewa end, Coolidge Street, from Isenberg Street to King Street, Coyne Street, from 2121 Coyne Street to University Avenue, Cummins Street, from Queen Street to Waimanu Street, Elm Street, from Pensacola Street to Sheridan Street, Elsie Lane, from King Street to Young Street, Fern Street, from Kalakaua Avenue to Isenberg Street, Griffiths Street, from Beretania Street to Bingham Street, Hauoli Street, from Kapiolani Boulevard to King Street, Hausten Street, from Kapiolani Boulevard to King Street, Hihiwai Street, from University Avenue to Kamoku Street, Hoawa Lane, from King Street to Beretania Street, Hoawa Street, from Kapiolani Boulevard to Fern Street, Hoolai Street, from Pensacola Street to Piikoi Street, Hopaka Street, from Kona Street to Piikoi Street

 

Kaaha Street, from University Avenue to Kapiolani Boulevard, Kahakai Drive, from Kahakai Drive to Kahakai Drive, Kaheka Street, from Young Street to Kapiolani Boulevard, Kahoaloha Lane, from King Street to Nakookoo Street, Kaialiu Street, from Beretania Street to Bingham Street, Kalauokalani Way, from Makaloa Street to Kapiolani Boulevard, Kalei Road, from Kalele Road to end, Kalo Place, from Varsity Place to end, Kamoku Street, from Kaaha Street to Hihiwai Street, Kanunu Street, from Keeaumoku Street to Kalakaua Avenue, Kapaakea Lane, from King Street to end, Kawaiahao Street, from Ward Avenue to Kamakee Street, Kehena Place, from Old Waialea Road to end, Kemole Lane, from King Street to Beretania Street, Koali Road, from Old Waialae Avenue to mauka end, Kolo Place, from Varsity Place to end, Kuikahi Street, from Philip Street to Citron Street, Kuilei Street, from Kapaakea Lane to Waiaka Road

 

Lauiki Street, from Hihiwai Street to Kamoku Street, Lime Street, from Isenberg Street to end, Liona Street, from Cedar Street to Sheridan Street; and from Keeaumoku Street to Kaheka Street, Lokahi Street, from Citron Street to Algaroba Street, Lunalilo Street, from Makiki Street to Keeaumoku Street, Mahi Place, from Puaena Place to end, Mahiai Place, from Mahiai Street to end, Mahiai Street, from Date Street to Kapiolani Boulevard, Makahiki Way, from King Street to end, Makaloa Street, from Kalakaua Avenue to Piikoi Street, Makiki Street, from Beretania Street to H-1 Freeway deadend, Manalo Street, from Waiola Street to Citron Street, Matlock Avenue, from Piikoi Street to Keeaumoku Street, Maunawai Place, from Kapiolani Boulevard to end, Nahaku Place, from Mahiai Street to end,

 

Paani Street, from Kapiolani Boulevard to Waiola Street, Palm Drive, from King Street to Young Street, Pawaa Lane, from King Street to Beretania Street, Philip Street, from Kalakaua Avenue to 1633 Philip Street, Poha Lane, from Beretania Street to King Street, Poni Street, from Kanunu Street to Makaloa Street, Puaena Place, from University Avenue to end, Pumehana Street, from Kapiolani Boulevard to King Street, Punahou Street, from King Street to Philip Street, Rycroft Street, from Sheridan Street to Pensacola Street, TMK: 2-3-19:60, off of King Street between Kaheka Street and Kalakaua Avenue, Varsity Circle, from Varsity Place to Varsity Place, Varsity Place, from University Avenue to Varsity Circle, Victoria Street, from King Street to H-1 Freeway deadend, Villa Lane, from Beretania Street to Young Street, Waimanu Street, from Ward Avenue to 999 Waimanu Street; and from 1051 Waimanu Street to Piikoi Street, Waiola Street, from Makahiki Way to Manalo Street, Wiliwili Street, from King Street to Kapiolani Boulevard, Young Street, from Pensacola Street to Isenberg Street

 

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.  Reconstruction of shallow drain line across Akina Street added.  Post paving activities include installation of permanent pavement markings, adjust utilities to finish grade, and re-install traffic loop detectors.

            (Estimated Completion continuing through March 2012)

 

Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Naio St.

Paving Naio St.  Permanent striping, adjusting manhole and installing traffic detector loop to follow.

 

Highway Structure Improvements, Pacific Heights Road Retaining Wall, Vicinity of 2210 Star Road

Removal and reconstruction of approximately 227 L.F. of concrete retaining wall with stone veneer facing; relocate joint utility poles and electrical lines for wall construction; replace existing electrical poles with new poles and lines; relocate existing streetlight fixtures on temporary poles for wall construction; install new streetlight fixtures on new poles; restore AC pavement fronting new wall;

restore pavement markings and markers; relocate existing signs and posts; provide traffic controls during working and non-working hours.

            (Estimated completion date, January 2013)

 

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 March 2012)

 

Bridge Rehabilitation at Various Locations I, FY 2009  Puowaina Drive Bridge over Auwaiolimu Street, Bridge No. 236  Repair of spalls in the concrete elements; repair of deteriorated CRM wall; replacement of concrete railing; strengthening concrete bridge sidewalks; shotcrete facing with soil/rock anchors; and miscellaneous repairs..

            (Estimated completion date, January 2013)

 

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 March 2012)

 

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 March 2012)

 

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)

 

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 March 2012)

 

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 seal at Mokulele Drive completed.

            (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, March 2012)

 

MAKAKILO

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 March 2012)

 

PEARL CITY

Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 1 (aka IDIQ #2) – Oa St., Pahemo St, Lii Ipo St, Lokowai St, Lokowai Pl, Kanuku Pl, Kanuku St, Olepe Lp, Pahemo Pl, Hekaha St, Honomanu St, Pono St, Ponohale St, Ponohana Lp, Ponokaulike St, Ponokawila Pl, Ponokawila St and Kauhale St intersection.  Resurfacing Hekana St, Kanuku St, & Lii Ipo St

            (Estimated completion date, May 2012)

 

PEARLRIDGE

Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 51 – Moanalua Road, Kaahumanu Street, Hoomaemae Street, and Hoomalu Street:  Cold planing; excavation of existing asphalt concrete pavements; resurfacing and reconstruction of asphalt concrete pavements; portland cement concrete pavements; reconstruction of existing concrete curbs and/or gutters; arboricultural work; repair of catch basins; adjustment of utility manhole frames and covers; installation of pavement markings; vehicle detector loop installation; and traffic control.

            (Estimated completion date, July 2012)

 

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)

 

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 March 2012)

 

PARADES, WALKS, RACES AND OTHER STREET CLOSURES

March 24, 2012 Saturday
10:00AM Starts
11:30AM Ends

PRINCE KUHIO COMMEMORATION PARADE sponsored by Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.  The event is expected to have 800 marchers, 35 vehicles, 2 floats, & 2 bands.  It will start at Kalakaua Ave. at Saratoga Rd., kkhd on Kalakaua Ave., to end at Waikiki Shell parking lot, Queen Kapiolani Park. Contact:  Leimomi Khan 372-0630, E-mail:  khanm@hi808.net    

 

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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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/14/12 Honolulu A Finalist For 'Green City Award'
 

HONOLULU A FINALIST FOR 'GREEN CITY AWARD'

(Wed., March 14, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced that Honolulu is a finalist for the "Green City Award" by Waste & Recycling News for excellence in recycling programs. 

         "I am proud the City and County of Honolulu is being recognized for its many innovative educational programs that are helping Oahu residents, young and old, learn about recycling," Carlisle said. "We can all do more to keep our island environmentally healthy for future generations."

         Honolulu joins the regional municipality of Halton, Ontario, and San Jose, California, in the Large City category with populations of more than 500,000 residents. More than 100 municipalities submitted nominations for the award in three categories.  

         The City's Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has emphasized education and outreach by sponsoring school recycling shows with the Honolulu Theatre for Youth and airing Opalavision segments on "The Green Channel," one of the first eco-conscious TV networks in the nation.

         The City also touts ENV's award-winning Tour de Trash, the Costco in-store education campaign, its E-newsletter WasteLine and its comprehensive Opala.org website.

         Currently, Honolulu is diverting 72 percent of its municipal solid waste from the island's only landfill, and ENV's goal is to reach an 80 percent diversion rate.

         The Green City Awards recognizes towns, cities, counties, and districts that promote exceptional leadership in successfully communicating and promoting their recycling programs.

         One winner in each category will be named on March 30, 2012, at the Waste & Recycling News' Residential Recycling Conference in Dallas, Texas

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/14/12 Bond Refinance Saves Board of Water Supply More Than $7 Million
 

BOND REFINANCE SAVES BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY MORE THAN $7 MILLION

            HONOLULU – The Board of Water Supply (BWS) has completed an $85.2 million bond issue on its Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, which will result in an expected net savings of about $7.15 million over the life of the bonds.

"The Board of Water Supply has worked hard to prove its fiscal responsibility and strong financial position to rating agencies and other financial stakeholders," said BWS Manager and Chief Engineer Ernest Lau.  "The bond refinancing affirms our ability to make the most sensible financial moves for our customers.  Much like refinancing a home mortgage, this effort allows the Board of Water Supply to secure a lower interest rate and therefore lower interest payments on its outstanding debt."

By taking advantage of low interest rates and the BWS's high credit ratings, this bond refinance is a financial move that will yield a cost savings of approximately $430,000 a year.  The bond refinancing is part of the BWS's ongoing efforts to minimize costs and ensure fiscal stability to Oahu water ratepayers.

            Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, which establish bond ratings used when municipalities borrow money, recently affirmed the BWS's bond rating at Aa2 and AA+, respectively, maintaining a "stable outlook" in both cases.

Contact:  Kurt Tsue, 748-5320

 



City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/13/12 City Website Wins 'Sunny Award' For Transparency
 

CITY WEBSITE WINS 'SUNNY AWARD' FOR TRANSPARENCY

 (Wed., March 14, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced that Sunshine Review, a national nonprofit group that promotes government transparency, has honored the City with a "Sunny Award" for maintaining one of the most transparent government websites in America.

"Our commitment to transparency is serious and will continue," Carlisle said. "We're very pleased that the City team's continuing efforts to make government open, accessible and accountable have been recognized." 

Of more than 6,000 state and local government websites ranked, only 214 earned a Sunny Award. The City's site, www.honolulu.gov, is "an example of transparency" that ranked high on the group's checklist, Sunshine Review said.

Grading takes into account the proactive disclosure of information regarding budgets, meetings, elected and administrative officials, permits and zoning, audits, contracts, lobbying, public records, and taxes, as well as the ease of use and availability of information.

"The Sunny Awards recognizes governments that are doing an exemplary job at proactively disclosing information to taxpayers," said Michael Barnhart, President of Sunshine Review. "There are so many organizations and associations that highlight what is wrong with government. We at Sunshine Review are proud to acknowledge those who are doing it right and setting a transparency standard that all governments can, and should, meet."  

The Sunny Awards coincide with Sunshine Week, recognized March 11 through 17, 2012 by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and other groups that promote government transparency.

A complete list of the 2012 Sunny Award recipients is available at http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/2012_Sunny_Awards  

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Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

Monday, March 12, 2012

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/12/12 Board of Water Supply Bond Rating Affirmed
 

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY BOND RATING AFFIRMED AT
Aa2 AND AA+ WITH STABLE OUTLOOKS

            HONOLULU – Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, which establish bond ratings used when municipalities borrow money, recently affirmed the Honolulu Board of Water Supply's (BWS) bond rating at Aa2 and AA+, respectively, maintaining a "stable outlook" in both cases. 

            ""We are very pleased with the bond rating reviews and Moody's and Fitch's determination that our bond rating should continue to be a very strong 'Aa2 and AA+'," said BWS Manager and Chief Engineer Ernest Lau.  "The Board of Water Supply is committed to improving its operations, system infrastructure and financial position and this bond rating is the result of that ongoing commitment to our ratepayers."

Moody's noted that the rating and outlook reflects "Moody's expectation that system financial operations will continue to benefit from sound management practices, approved multi-year rate increases and no additional borrowing plans."

In its report, Fitch cited that the Board's "Financial performance and liquidity is strong" and that "Revenues are relatively stable given the consistent demand."  Fitch also noted that   "The system has rights to sufficient ground water supplies to meet its anticipated needs with limited treatment costs and no regulatory issues at present.  The advantageous water supply results in affordable rates for the system, even with scheduled increases."

The bond ratings from Moody's and Fitch should be seen as an affirmation of the BWS's creditworthiness, and will thus ensure low borrowing costs for the BWS in the bond market.  

Bond ratings are an independent opinion of the general creditworthiness of an issuer, such as the BWS, based on relevant risk factors.  The ratings are based on an issuer's ability to repay the principal and interest of its short-term or long-term debt obligations on a timely basis.

Contact:  Kurt Tsue, Board of Water Supply, 748-5320.

 

City and County of Honolulu News

 
Official website of the City and County of Honolulu
 
  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/12/12 Mayor Carlisle Dedicates New Roads In Kapolei
 

MAYOR CARLISLE DEDICATES NEW ROADS IN KAPOLEI

(Mon., Mar. 12, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today opened six new roadways in Kapolei as part of an ongoing effort to improve traffic flow in the area and stimulate job creation. The City and County of Honolulu spent $4.75 million for the Kapolei Parkway extension and Kapolei Property Development spent approximately $20 million to construct new sections of:

§         Kapolei Parkway

§         Manawai Street

§         Kama'aha Avenue

§         Wakea

§         Alohikea

§         Ku'ou

            The roads add new alternate routes to connect residential areas with job and commercial centers and further improve traffic flow in Kapolei.

            "Kapolei is Oahu's second city, bustling with growth, commerce and opportunity," Carlisle said. "Kapolei Parkway is an important thoroughfare that the community depends on, so the completion of this extension is great news." 

            Carlisle noted that the roadway provides access to 34 acres of City property along the road and the uses of the property will ultimately improve mobility and provide additional services to the public. One of the lots being served by Kapolei Parkway is slated for a bus transit center.  The City will determine possible uses for the other lots.

            "These new roads do more than just improve traffic flow," said Richard Dahl, CEO of the James Campbell Company, the parent company of Kapolei Property Development. "These roads stimulate job creation. By providing access to the commercial lots in the City of Kapolei, these roads attract additional investment and encourage companies to locate their businesses in Kapolei. This results in more jobs and more opportunities for residents to work where they live.  We appreciate Mayor Carlisle's vision and strong commitment to making Kapolei a vibrant city in which to work and live."  

            Dahl added that Kapolei Parkway is part of a future planned route for rail transit and he thanked Mayor Carlisle for his leadership in that area as well. "We believe the rail transit project is an important investment in Hawaii's future," Dahl said. "It improves mobility and quality of life and complements our efforts here in Kapolei.

            More than $1.5 billion has been invested in the City of Kapolei by private and government sources. Kapolei Property Development has invested more than $450 million in Kapolei, including roadways and other public facilities.

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Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

City and County of Honolulu News

 
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  You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/12/12 Auahi Street Road Repair on March 13
 

AUAHI STREET ROAD REPAIR ON MARCH 13 

            HONOLULU –The scheduled work to repave Auahi Street today (Monday, March 12) is being rescheduled to Tuesday, March 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. due to weather conditions.

            The road repaving work will involve the closure of all lanes on Auahi Street near the Ward Avenue intersection fronting Wahoo's Fish Taco.  Motorists are advised to use Kamakee Street to access Auahi Street and to allow for extra travel time.  Signs will be in place to notify motorists of the lane closures.

            The road repaving work is being done to repair the section of Auahi Street where a water main break occurred on Sunday, March 4. 

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Contact:  Dymian Racoma, Board of Water Supply, 748-5366.