City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/30/12 Honolulu Provides Retired Buses To Maui County

HONOLULU PROVIDES RETIRED BUSES TO MAUI COUNTY (Fri., March 30, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle announced today that the City and County of Honolulu will transfer three retired buses to Maui County to augment their existing fleet. The vehicles being transferred are Gillig buses that first went into service in 1994 and can carry up to 45 seated and 20 standing passengers.               The three 40-foot transit buses are being retired from TheBus to make way for new replacement buses, which are part of a fleet management plan to maintain the average age of TheBus fleet at a desired target age. The retired buses being transferred to Maui County are fully operational, but are at the end of their planned service life with TheBus fleet. If they were not transferred to Maui, these buses would be sold at an auction.             "This is a win-win deal for both the City and County of Honolulu and for Maui County," Carlisle said. "The transfer provides a useful home for our older but still productive buses and allows our Maui neighbors to augment their bus fleet to address a pressing need."              "The Maui Bus system is one of the fastest growing public transit systems in the nation right now," said Mayor Alan Arakawa. "We have more passengers waiting at our bus stops every day and no room on our buses. This transfer from the City and County of Honolulu is helping us to address that problem. We wish to thank Mayor Carlisle and the Oahu residents for rescuing our Maui Bus riders from being stranded. We truly appreciate their aloha."             Maui County has been procuring new buses for their transit system, but has seen a recent spike in service demand due to cruise ship activity on West Maui. The transfer of buses from Honolulu County will help by adding to Maui's existing bus fleet.              -30-  Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/30/12 April Sewer Work

SEWER PROJECTS DURING APRIL   (Fri., March 30, 2012) – The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services has 12 major sewer projects in April that may impact roadways and traffic on Oahu.            The projects include: Ø       Beachwalk Wastewater Pump Station to Ala Moana Park Sewer Phase 1, Force Main System – Installation of a new sewer line along Ala Moana Boulevard (between Atkinson Drive and Ala Wai Canal), and along Ala Wai Boulevard (between Kalakaua Avenue to the dead end of Ala Wai Boulevard). Ø       Hanawai Circle Sewer Reconstruction – Installation and rehabilitation of new sewer line along Farrington Highway (between Waipahu Depot Street and Hanawai Circle) and along Waipahu Depot Street (between Farrington Highway and Waipahu Street). Ø       Houghtailing Street Area Sewer Rehabilitation – Sewer rehabilitation work in Kamehameha Heights area on various streets within the area bordered by North School Street, Kokea Street, Kamalii Street, Aulii Street, Ilima Drive, Makanani Drive and Kapalama Drive. Ø       Kalakaua Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation – Open-cut trench digging replacing 1,500 lineal feet of 6- and 8-inch sewer pipe along Kalakaua Avenue between Philip Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. Ø       Kalihi-Nuuanu Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 1J – Sewer rehabilitation work on various streets with the Pacific Heights area. Ø       Makaha Interceptor Sewer Rehabilitation/Replacement – Sewer rehabilitation work along Farrington Highway between Ala Hema Street and Leihoku Street and along Pokai Bay Street. Ø       Moiliili-Kapahulu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Sewer – Installation and rehabilitation of new sewer line along Date Street (between Pumehana and Lukepane Street). Ø       Saint Louis Heights Sewer Rehabilitation – Sewer rehabilitation work on various streets with the area bordered by Bertram Street, Kaminaka Drive, Saint Louis Drive and Dole Street. Ø       Sewer Manhole and Pipe Rehabilitation at Various Locations Phase 2 – Sewer rehabilitation work along Nimitz Highway between Pacific Street and Sumner Street. Ø       Waikiki Sewer Rehabilitation – Sewer rehabilitation work along Kuhio Avenue between Kuamoo Street and Kaiulani Avenue. Ø       Waipahu Street Emergency Sewer Repair – Installation and rehabilitation of new sewer line along Waipahu Street (between Hawaii Plantation Village and Awamoi Street). Ø       Wilhelmina Rise Sewer Rehabilitation – Sewer rehabilitation work in Wilhelmina Rise area on various streets within the area bordered by Paula Drive, Lurline Drive, Wilhelmina Rise, Keanu Street and Claudine Street.            Approximately 122 projects are underway focused on Oahu's wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and collection system. These projects are part of $533 million of ongoing wastewater projects, including planning, designing, construction, project management and equipment project phases.   -30-   Contact:  Markus Owens, Public Communications Officer, ENV 768-3454

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/30/12 Traffic Advisory: Sewer Work in Downtown April 2-7

TRAFFIC ADVISORY:  SEWER WORK IN DOWNTOWN APRIL 2-7   (Fri., March 30, 2012) – The City's Department of Environmental Services said traffic will be affected April 2-7 as construction crews rehabilitate sewer lines in downtown Honolulu.            The scope consists of wastewater pipeline spot repairs at the intersection of Young and Punahou streets, and along South King Street (between Pawaa Lane and Hauoli Street).  These projects run April 2 - 7 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.             Pipelining projects begin April 2 - 6 on Beretania Street (between Kalakaua Avenue and Pawaa Lane) and on Punahou Street (between South King Street and Bingham Street).  These lining projects will be done at night.     -30-   Contact:  Markus Owens, ENV Public Communications Officer, 768-3454

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/29/12 April Exhibits At Honolulu Hale And Kapolei Hale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                   March 29, 2012     APRIL EXHIBITS AT HONOLULU HALE AND KAPOLEI HALE   (Thurs., March 29, 2012) − Exhibits on display at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale for the months of April through early May include Japanese brush painting, photographs of Kalaupapa, and a children's art contest by AlohaCare.               The shows are presented by the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts in partnership with local arts, cultural and educational organizations.  All exhibits are free and open to the public.  Viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.  Exhibits and dates are:   Sumie, Japanese Brush Painting April 3 - 12, Honolulu Hale Courtyard, 530 South King Street               The Sumie Society of Hawaii will showcase the traditional Japanese art of sumie.  Artists will display original paintings that depicts subjects with the fewest possible brush strokes in a graceful and contemplative style.   Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa April 10 - 27, Kapolei Hale, 1000 Uluohia Street   The unique history of Kalaupapa, the settlement for Hansen's Disease patients, is presented through photographs by the acclaimed photographer Wayne Levin and other historic photos of the remote region on Molokai.  Henry Law, the first national park superintendant of Kalaupapa, and Valerie Monson, the coordinator of the non-profit Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa, which is presenting this show, will also display works.   2012 AlohaCare Children's Art Contest April 23 - May 11, Honolulu Hale Courtyard, 530 South King Street   AlohaCare, a local non-profit health plan, presents the top 100 drawings from its 10th annual statewide art contest that promotes healthy habits for children.  Each year more than 2,000 children, ages 4 through 12, participate in this contest.     -30-   Media contact: the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts at 768-6622.

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/29/12 Mauka to Makai Expo Highlights Earth Month Events

MAUKA TO MAKAI EXPO HIGHLIGHTS EARTH MONTH EVENTS   (Thur., March 29, 2012) – In recognition of Earth Month, the City's Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is co-sponsoring with the State Department of Health the Mauka to Makai Clean Water Expo featuring numerous ocean-oriented activities Saturday, April 14.  Live entertainment featuring Willie K and Kapono with an appearance by Wyland who will be giving out autographed posters (while supplies last) to those who sign up for the Wyland Clean Water Challenge at the Department of Land and Natural Resources/Division of Forestry booth.                The Expo is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waikiki Aquarium.  Parking is available at the Waikiki Elementary School with free shuttle service to the aquarium.  The first 500 families who collect 15 stamps in their passports receive a free native plant and a Green Infrastructure for Homeowners booklet.  Attendees will have a chance to win prizes, including family passes to both the Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Museum.                            More than 20 agencies and organizations will showcase earth-friendly activities.  One of the featured attractions is the moi (fish) release at the beach beginning at 11 a.m.               In April, ENV will be conducting 17 Adopt-A-Block and Adopt-A-Stream events throughout Oahu.  On April 4, the City will feature the Island-wide Storm Drain Marker Kickoff showcasing its new metal storm drain marker.  These markers will be installed throughout the island on designated streets by community volunteers to educate and create environmental awareness.  Clean Water Heroes, who played important roles in preserving and protecting our waters, will be recognized throughout the year.                For more information, on upcoming events or to volunteer for a future activity, contact the Storm Water Quality Branch at 768-3245 or go to cleanwaterhonolulu.com.                                                    -30-   Contact:  Markus Owens, Public Communications Officer, ENV 768-3454

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/28/12 Kapiolani Park Tree Pruning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                               March 28, 2012     KAPIOLANI PARK TREE PRUNING   (Wed., March 28, 2012)— A Department of Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division contractor will begin structural and maintenance pruning of the Ironwood trees in the Kapiolani Park Bandstand area and the Exceptional Ironwood trees along Carriage Road tomorrow (Thursday), March 29. The work is expected to take one week.       -30-       Media contact:  Austin Braaten, Park Grounds Improvement Supervisor II, 971-7151

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/27/12 New HART CEO Meets With FTA, Hawaii's Congressional Delegation in Washington DC

NEW HART CEO MEETS WITH FTA, HAWAII'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IN WASHINGTON D.C. (March 27, 2012)—Newly selected HART CEO and Executive Director Daniel Grabauskas met with the head of the Federal Transit Administration and with Hawaii's congressional delegation inWashington D.C. today to discuss the status of Honolulu's rail project in preparation for receiving additional federal funds. Grabauskas, who officially begins his new role on April 9, and interim HART executive director Toru Hamayasu met with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel Akaka, and U.S. Reps. Mazie Hirono and Colleen Hanabusa to discuss the expected full-funding grant agreement, which provides $1.55 billion in federal money for the rail project.   Honolulu's transit project has already been allotted $120 million of those funds and the project is poised to receive a share of $510 million this fiscal year. President Obama's FY2013 budget also includes $250 million for the project. Grabauskas said the meeting with the FTA went well and that FTA Administrator Rogoff reiterated comments made two weeks ago by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood underscoring that the agency is committed to the project and committed to the funding.   "FTA administrator Peter Rogoff and Hawaii's congressional delegation reaffirmed their strong commitment to Honolulu's rail project, and we assured them our project is on track and well positioned to receive full federal funding," Grabauskas said. "Honolulu is fortunate to have such strong support from our entire congressional delegation, the FTA and the Obama Administration. Our federal partners understand that we are not just building a rail project, we are building a better future for Oahu."   Grabauskas, who is preparing to move from Boston to Honolulu, said he decided to visit with federal officials while still on the East Coast because it was more cost effective and would allow him to hit the ground running when he arrives in Honolulu.   "The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is very fortunate to have Daniel Grabauskas as their chief executive officer and executive director. I am very impressed with him," Senator Daniel K. Inouye said. "He has an impressive resume and a lot of experience with this type of work through his leadership of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston. I look forward to working with him and I will continue to support this project and work hard to secure federal resources to ensure its timely completion."   "In Daniel Grabauskas, HART is gaining a highly qualified transportation professional who is dedicated to collaborating with our local communities. I look forward to working with him as we move ahead in building a new alternative to getting around Oahu—one that provides a new travel option that allows people to avoid driving on clogged roads and freeways," said Senator Daniel K. Akaka. "Dan Grabauskas understands the challenges and opportunities Oahu faces when it comes to addressing the traffic gridlock and quality of life issues of a growing population," said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I congratulate Dan on his new position as HART chief executive officer and wish him and his team success as they move the project forward."   Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa said, "I look forward to working with Mr. Grabauskas as the Honolulu Rail Transit Project progresses and helping Hawaii secure its fair share of federal funding.We must ensure this historic transportation project is completed in a responsible and timely manner, and that will truly take a collective effort."   As the new chief executive of HART, Grabauskas will run the agency responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of the $5.2 billion rail project. The HART board selected him as the new CEO/executive director on March 1. The 20-mile rail transit system from East Kapolei to Ala Moana is expected to open in 2019. For updates on construction work days and times and more details about the project, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.   Media Contact: Jeanne Belding (808) 768-6145, cell: (808) 489-2530.

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 03/28/12 Traffic Advisory: Sewer Work on Beretania, Bingham Streets

TRAFFIC ALERT:  SEWER WORK ON BERETANIA, BINGHAM THIS WEEK   (Wed., March 28, 2012) – The City's Department of Environmental Services said traffic will be affected this week as construction crews rehabilitate sewer lines along Beretania, Bingham, Citron and Hauoli streets.            The scope consists of wastewater pipeline repairs and pipe lining on Beretania Street, between Kalakaua Avenue and Pawaa Lane.  Further, similar work will be conducted on Bingham Street, between Isenberg Avenue and Alexander Street.  These sections of roadway are estimated to be completed March 30.            Pipe work will be done on both Citron and Hauoli streets March 30.  Crews will be working between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.     -30-     Contact:  Markus Owens, ENV Public Communications Officer, 768-3454