City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/06/14 Mayor Caldwell, Urban Land Institute panel, to discuss future of Blaisdell Center

March 6, 2014 Contact:          Renee Espiau, 768-8050                        Jesse Broder Van Dyke, 768-6928     Mayor Caldwell, Urban Land Institute panel, to discuss future of Blaisdell Center   Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell welcomed a panel of experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Daniel Rose Center for Public Leadership to Honolulu this week to provide technical assistance on creating a vibrant culture and arts district in urban Honolulu anchored by the redevelopment of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center complex.   The ULI experts will present their initial findings and recommendations to the public this Friday, March 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street.  The event is free and open to the public and media.  It will also be televised LIVE on 'Olelo Channel 55.   "I'd like to thank the Urban Land Institute for sending this panel of experts to help with the city's efforts to redevelop the Blaisdell Center," said Mayor Caldwell.  "The options they present will reflect their experience with similar projects and best practices from the mainland tailored specifically to Honolulu's needs.  The most important part of this process is public input – and the ULI presentation begins these discussions.  I am hopeful that this will be the start of bringing all voices together to decide what's the best plan for the Blaisdell complex."   As the Blaisdell Center celebrates its 50th birthday this year, the need for redevelopment could not be more apparent.  Rising maintenance and renovation costs teamed with competition from newer, more accessible facilities on the mainland leaves Honolulu's premier entertainment complex at a significant disadvantage.   The Blaisdell Center complex falls within the State of Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) regulated Kaka'ako Community Development District, blocks from a future rail transit station and surrounded by historic Thomas Square Park, the Honolulu Museum of Art and Museum of Art School, McKinley High School, and several medical institutions.   Its location presents the opportunity for a redeveloped Blaisdell Center complex to be the hub of a true culture and arts district that could smoothly segue to the neighboring Hawaii Capital District and "the people's park" Ala Moana Regional Park.   Panel members arrived in Honolulu earlier week and met with Mayor Caldwell and his senior staff this morning.      In addition to the live broadcast this Friday at 9 a.m. on 'Olelo Channel 55, the presentation will rebroadcast on 'Olelo Channel 49 on the following dates and times: March 19 at 7 p.m., March 20 at 9 a.m., March 24 at 10:30 a.m., and March 29 at 10 p.m.   - END -

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/06/14 Macy's raising money for local parks through "Heart Your Park"

Thursday, March 6, 2014 Contact:  Jesse Broder Van Dyke, 768-6928     Macy's raising money for local parks through "Heart Your Park"   Honolulu – Ala Moana Beach Park, Kapiolani Park, Kailua Beach Park and Kahala Community Park have been selected for "Heart Your Park," a program introduced as part of Macy's "Secret Garden" campaign that aims to raise awareness and dollars for local parks across the country. From March 7 to March 31, customers at Macy's Ala Moana, Kailua, and Kahala can donate $1 or more at the register, with 100 percent of the donations benefiting the parks.  To further spread the love, Macy's will match the total customer donation across all stores, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000 in total.   Our four selected parks are among more than 550 parks nationwide that will benefit from Macy's "Heart Your Park" this spring.  In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the national non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of community parks, recreation and conservation, Macy's stores across the country have each selected a local park or green space in their community to support through the program. Donations will go toward making improvements, such as maintaining facilities, playgrounds, ball fields, and everything in between.   "We are thrilled to partner with Macy's and NRPA for 'Heart Your Park' this spring," said Toni Robinson, Parks and Recreation Director. "Through this wonderful program and donations by Macy's customers, we are excited about the increased awareness and additional funding for our parks. These parks are a great asset to the community, and we greatly appreciate Macy's support."   About National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 40,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org . For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.   - END -

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/04/14 President Obama's FY 2015 Budget includes $250 million for rail

March 4, 2014 President Obama's FY 2015 Budget includes $250 million for rail The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) today was informed by Hawaii's congressional delegation that President Obama's fiscal year 2015 Department of Transportation Budget includes $250 million for the rail transit project. The $250 million is part of the federal Full Funding Grant Agreement that ensures the project will receive a total of $1.55 billion in federal funds over the next several years. "I want to thank our entire congressional delegation for their strong and continued support. It is because of their commitment and their efforts that we are able to keep the project on time and on budget," said HART Board Chairman Ivan Lui-Kwan. "Continued support from our federal partners is essential as we move forward with construction throughout the rail route." Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the continued flow of federal funds is vital to building rail and providing a better quality of life for future generations. "Too many of our residents spend hours in traffic daily, and it takes a toll on families. Thanks to the diligence and efforts of our congressional delegation we continue to move forward with Oahu's rail system, fulfilling the legacy of our great Senator Daniel K. Inouye and his commitment to an affordable and reliable transportation option for Hawaii." Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin said the latest news on federal funding will strengthen the project's position and keep it on track. "This strong federal funding commitment is important to keeping the project on time and within budget," Martin said. "This good news out of Washington from our congressional delegation reaffirms that this project is moving in the right direction." HART's Executive Director and CEO Dan Grabauskas said the news represents another positive step forward for the community. "This moves us thatmuch closer to delivering this project to our community and providing our residents and visitors with relief from some of the worst traffic in the nation," Grabauskas said. The $250 million for fiscal year 2015 would be in addition to the $250 million appropriated for fiscal year 2014. Both installments would be added to the $556 million in federal New Starts transit funds received by the rail project. Media Contact: JeanneMariani-Belding, (808) 768-6145, cell: (808) 489-2530

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/04/14 Mayor Caldwell nominates Michele Nekota to be Parks Director

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Contact:  Jesse Broder Van Dyke, 768-6928   Mayor Caldwell nominates Michele Nekota to be Parks Director Honolulu – Mayor Caldwell announced today his nomination of Michele Nekota to serve as the new Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.  "Michele Nekota has a wealth of experience running parks in Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding county, and she is a keiki o ka aina who grew up on Oahu and graduated from Kalani," said Mayor Caldwell.  "Her experience, background and skills will help her chart a beautiful future for the crown jewels of Oahu, our city parks.                            "I also want to thank and applaud Toni Robinson for allowing me to bring her out of retirement after my election and for skillfully running our parks for the past 15 months.  Her contributions are greatly appreciated, and I am glad to know she will be able to spend more time with her family and enjoy the parks she dedicated her career to.  Thankfully this is not goodbye, because I know she'll continue to help us support our parks in many ways."   "Through the Parks and Recreation Department in Honolulu, I learned to play volleyball and other sports when I was 10 years old," said Michele Nekota.  "I also started my career in parks and recreation during college by working in the Summer Fun program for the City & County of Honolulu.  I am honored and excited to improve the lives of residents through parks and recreation opportunities." Michele Nekota is coming home to Honolulu and leaving her position as Parks and Recreation Division Director for Salt Lake County, Utah, where she has over 28 years of experience.  Nekota is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of Salt Lake County's 21 recreation centers, 102 parks, three ice centers, 18 swimming pools, six golf courses, 6,925 acres of open space, and more than 100 miles of trail.  She is a past president of the Utah Recreation and Parks Association and was recognized as their 2004 Outstanding Professional of the Year. Nekota is a Kalani High School graduate and received her Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University (BYU) and Master's degree of business administration from the University of Phoenix.  Nekota played collegiate volleyball for BYU and professional volleyball in the National Volleyball Association.   Nekota will assume the role of director designate on April 1, pending confirmation by the Honolulu City Council. Current Parks and Recreation Director Toni Robinson will be retiring after 37 years of service with the department.  - END -

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/04/14 Mayor Caldwell nominates Michele Nekota to be Parks Director

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Contact:  Jesse Broder Van Dyke, 768-6928   Mayor Caldwell nominates Michele Nekota to be Parks Director     Honolulu – Mayor Caldwell announced today his nomination of Michele Nekota to serve as the new Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.    "Michele Nekota has a wealth of experience running parks in Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding county, and she is a keiki o ka aina who grew up on Oahu and graduated from Kalani," said Mayor Caldwell.  "Her experience, background and skills will help her chart a beautiful future for the crown jewels of Oahu, our city parks.    "I also want to thank and applaud Toni Robinson for allowing me to bring her out of retirement after my election and for skillfully running our parks for the past 15 months.  Her contributions are greatly appreciated, and I am glad to know she will be able to spend more time with her family and enjoy the parks she dedicated her career to.  Thankfully this is not goodbye, because I know she'll continue to help us support our parks in many ways."   "Through the Parks and Recreation Department in Honolulu, I learned to play volleyball and other sports when I was 10 years old," said Michele Nekota.  "I also started my career in parks and recreation during college by working in the Summer Fun program for the City & County of Honolulu.  I am honored and excited to improve the lives of residents through parks and recreation opportunities."   Michele Nekota is coming home to Honolulu and leaving her position as Parks and Recreation Division Director for Salt Lake County, Utah, where she has over 28 years of experience.  Nekota is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of Salt Lake County's 21 recreation centers, 102 parks, three ice centers, 18 swimming pools, six golf courses, 6,925 acres of open space, and more than 100 miles of trail.  She is a past president of the Utah Recreation and Parks Association and was recognized as their 2004 Outstanding Professional of the Year.   Nekota is a Kalani High School graduate and received her Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University (BYU) and Master's degree of business administration from the University of Phoenix.  Nekota played collegiate volleyball for BYU and professional volleyball in the National Volleyball Association.     Nekota will assume the role of director designate on April 1, pending confirmation by the Honolulu City Council.   Current Parks and Recreation Director Toni Robinson will be retiring after 37 years of service with the department.    - END -

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 03/04/14 President Obama's FY 2015 Budget includes $250 million for rail

March 4, 2014   President Obama's FY 2015 Budget includes $250 million for rail   The Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation today was informed by Hawaii's congressional delegation that President Obama's fiscal year 2015 Department of Transportation Budget includes $250 million for the rail transit project.   The $250 million is part of the federal Full Funding Grant Agreement that ensures the project will receive a total of $1.55 billion in federal funds over the next several years.   "I want to thank our entire congressional delegation for their strong and continued support. It is because of their commitment and their efforts that we are able to keep the project on time and on budget," said HART Board Chairman Ivan Lui-Kwan. "Continued support from our federal partners is essential as we move forward with construction throughout the rail route."   Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the continued flow of federal funds is vital to building rail and providing a better quality of life for future generations. "Too many of our residents spend hours in traffic daily, and it takes a toll on families. Thanks to the diligence and efforts of our congressional delegation we continue to move forward with Oahu's rail system, fulfilling the legacy of our great Senator Daniel K. Inouye and his commitment to an affordable and reliable transportation option for Hawaii."   Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin said the latest news on federal funding will strengthen the project's position and keep it on track. "This strong federal funding commitment is important to keeping the project on time and within budget," Martin said. "This good news out of Washington from our congressional delegation reaffirms that this project is moving in the right direction."   HART's Executive Director and CEO Dan Grabauskas said the news represents another positive step forward for the community. "This moves us that much closer to delivering this project to our community and providing our residents and visitors with relief from some of the worst traffic in the nation," Grabauskas said.   The $250 million for fiscal year 2015 would be in addition to the $250 million appropriated for fiscal year 2014. Both installments would be added to the $556 million in federal New Starts transit funds received by the rail project.   - END -   Media Contact: Jeanne Mariani-Belding. (808) 768-6145. cell: (808) 489-2530

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 02/28/14 Traffic Advisory: Lane closures for Honolulu rail transit project

February 28, 2014   Traffic Advisory: Lane closures for Honolulu rail transit project   The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) would like to inform drivers about lane closures next week related to design and construction work for the Honolulu rail transit project. Motorists are advised that work along the 20-mile rail route from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours.   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, and provide a safe distance between their vehicles and workers and equipment:   EWA   Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) and Old Fort Weaver Road is closed in both directions until April for utility relocation and column work for the elevated rail guideway. The 24/7 road closure allows work crews to safely relocate major utility lines along a narrow two-lane stretch of Farrington Highway, just west of the Kahi Mohala Behavioral Center. Drivers traveling between East Kapolei and the Ewa/Waipahu region will still be able to use either the H-1 Freeway on the north end of Kualakai Parkway, or Kapolei Parkway on the south end. The eastbound lanes along Farrington Highway between the Kunia Road overpass and Old Fort Weaver Road Loop will be closed from Sunday, March 2 to Saturday, March 8. Drivers will be diverted to a temporary lane.   H-1 WAIAWA INTERCHANGE   The left eastbound lane of the H-1 Freeway at the Waiawa Interchange (H-1/H-2 merge near Leeward Community College) will be closed overnight from Monday, March 3 to Thursday, March 6 between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. the following morning for preparation work of rail construction later this year.   PEARL CITY   Overnight lane closures will take place along Kamehameha Highway between Waimano Home Road and Kuala Street from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 7:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility relocation work: Two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway, including the left-turn lane into Home Depot, will be closed during those hours.   Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway between Waimano Home Road and Puu Poni Street will be closed overnight from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. the following morning. Overnight lane closures will take place along Kamehameha Highway between Kuleana Road and Puu Poni Street near the HECO-Waiau power plant from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility relocation work: Only one westbound lane of Kamehameha Highway will be open during these hours. Westbound traffic will be diverted to a temporary lane along Kamehameha Highway during the closure. Eastbound and westbound left turns from Kamehameha Highway at the intersection of Kuleana Road, along with U-turns, will also be restricted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway in the same vicinity will also be closed weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.   AIEA   Lane closures will take place along Kamehameha Highway between Hekaha and Kanuku streets near Best Buy for drill shaft test work: The inside eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway between Hekaha and Kanuku streets will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week until mid-March. Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway and an additional eastbound lane will be closed overnight in the same vicinity from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 7:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.   Two westbound and one eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway between Lipoa Place and Pali Momi Street near Pearl Kai Shopping Center will be closed from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 7:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for soil tests: One of the two left-turn lanes from Kamehameha Highway onto Pali Momi Street will also be closed during those hours.   PEARL HARBOR   Lane closures will take place at the following location from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for soil testing: Right westbound lane of Kamehameha Highway between Radford Drive and Halawa Drive   KALIHI/IWILEI   Daytime and overnight lane closures will take place next week at the following locations for soil testing and trench work: The left lanes of Dillingham Boulevard in both the eastbound and westbound directions between Laumaka Street and McNeill Street will be closed from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The left lanes of Dillingham Boulevard in both the eastbound and westbound directions between Waiakamilo Road and Alakawa Street near Iwilei Costco from Sunday, March 2 to Thursday, March 6 between 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. Northbound lane of Iwilei Road between Sumner Street and North King Street on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.   DOWNTOWN/KAKAAKO   Lane closures will take place this weekend in downtown Honolulu on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. for trench work: Three southbound lanes of Punchbowl Street between Pohukaina Street and Ala Moana Boulevard.   Overnight lane closures will take place in downtown Honolulu from Sunday, March 2 to Thursday, March 6 between 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. the following morning for soil testing: Left lanes of Nimitz Highway in both eastbound and westbound directions between River Street and Punchbowl Street   Daytime lane closures will take place in Kaka'ako next week for soil testing and trench work: Halekauwila Street between Cooke Street and Ahui Street will be closed from Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 5 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drivers are asked to use other adjacent streets during the closure. When the Halekauwila Street closure is not in effect, two eastbound lanes of Halekauwila Street will be closed between Cooke Street and Kamani Street on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Drivers will be directed to the other travel lanes.   For updates on 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.