The start of oral arguments for the Queen Kaahumanu Highway Phase II widening bid appeal has been delayed yet again. It has been rescheduled from January 15, 2010 until February 24th, 2010. The re-assignment of the appeal to a new judge is probably biggest reason for this latest delay. Judge Hifo’s sudden retirement was the reason for the previous delay from December 11, 2009 to January 15th, 2010.

It is likely the new RFP solicitation will be completed before this appeal is adjudicated. The HDOT will award the latter RFP  by March 9th, 2010.

The Keokeo/Holu Street roadway connection should be opened by the first business day after January 9th, 2010. I’ve checked Ho’ohiki regarding this case. Judge Ibarra issued the final order of condemnation on December 29th, 2009. In addition, Ho’ohiki shows that the case has been terminated as of the latter date.

The HDOT’s contractor is still waiting for the signal loops to arrive for the Malulani Gardens traffic signal. This is why this traffic signal has not been activated yet.

Lastly, Makalei Estates is turning into a gated subdivision. I wonder if it is legal to do this. Makalei Estates has been existence since 2002. Why is the HOA doing this now? I suspect this is the homeowners association attempt to prevent Palamanui from using Makalei Drive as a way to connect to Mamalahoa Highway.

The HTH had an article today about the United Kingdom’s decision to cut funding for UKIRT and James Clerk Maxwell Telescope.

The bean counters at the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council seem hell-bent on gutting Britain’s significant astronomy investment. This is an absolutely shortsighted decision. I know current economic problems are causing significant budgetary issues. However, this isn’t the time to make deep cuts in the astronomy budget. Astronomical research will spur future economic growth and deeper understanding of our universe. Nonetheless, the latter is completely lost on the individuals who run the UK STFC.

I hope the Japanese don’t make the same mistake and cut funding for the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea.

Darryl Oliviera, the Hawaii County Fire Chief, e-mailed me this update regarding the future Makalei Fire Station.

“I met with the P/W Project Engineer last week Tuesday and he is finalizing things for the anticipated bid for construction. So I am very optimistic it will go out very soon. As soon as I can get an official and more or less committed dated I will be sure to contact you. The fact that we have the grant helps to push things along as well as there are timelines and reporting that we must comply with.”

Lastly, it is likely the Hawaii Supreme Court will hear the Coupes Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass appeal sometime after February 5th, 2010. However, Hawaii County will be filing a motion to expedite after they submit their opening reply brief due by January 22, 2010.