I found out additional information regarding the stalled construction work above Hualalai Vistas subdivision. The reason why Isemoto Contracting stopped constructing the channelized intersection was due to concerns raised by the surrounding homeowners. Firstly, the vibration from the hoe-ramming into the rock facing was causing damage to the surrounding homes. Secondly, the homeowners were also concerned about excavation work exposing a steep drop off.
The latter issue was addressed by improving roadway pavement and guardrails at the top of the cut slope. However, the homeowners primary concern regarding the vibration from the hoe-ramming remains unresolved. The developer is exploring solutions to resolve this issue.
Nevertheless, the developer’s team has submitted revised construction plans to the HDOT for approval. These plans will also have to be approved by the surrounding homeowners before Isemoto can resume construction.
I hope the county will resurface Kaiminani Drive. There are a plethora of potholes, along with grass breaching the asphalt. Thus, the condition of this roadway has now become unsafe.
This is yet another example showing that WHT has an axe to grind against the county regarding their handling of the Ane Keohokalole Highway project. I think Reed Flickinger’s attacks on this project is unfair and counter-productive. Mr. Flickinger should focus his attention towards lighting a fire under the county to start moving on other stalled roadway projects like the Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass, or the Lako Street extension.
I can’t believe that Councilman Greenwell has introduced a resolution requiring owners of private aircraft parked in Kona and Hilo pay a $2,500 fee. This is yet another insane proposal introduced by Mr. Greenwell. In addition, I wonder if it’s legal to divert money generated at the airport for a purpose unrelated to the airport?
I certainly hope he doesn’t seek re-election. He is an embarrassment to Kona and Hawaii County.
Lastly, it appears Gold Ivory LLC’s broadband stimulus proposal was not funded.
Project title Hawaii Public Safety Broadband Network
Program BIP/BTOP
Proposed Project Area HI
Project type Middle Mile
Funding Round Round 1 – Summer 2009
Grant request* $ 172,607,993
Status Application Not Funded by BTOP
Description To provide a secure broadband network that meets the needs of public safety agencies and first responders to protect and defend the underserved areas of the state of Hawaii. A fiber-optic and microwave system will ensure sufficient and reliable broadband capacity to support technologies necessary for the agencies to prepare and respond to natural disasters, acts of war and other emergencies.
Gold Ivory’s partner, Raytheon, started seeking applicants to build the infrastructure for this project late last year. However, it appears Raytheon made a poor business decision to hire without the funding being in place.
Sandwich Isles Communications broadband stimulus proposal is still alive though.
Project title Rural Hawaii Broadband Initiative
Program BIP
Proposed Project Area HI
Project type Middle Mile
Funding Round Round 1 – Summer 2009
Grant request $ 64,681,760
Loan request $ 67,258,149
Status Application Received
Description Project will bring high speed broadband to rural areas on islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. These 3 middle-mile routes will complete company’s state-wide underground network providing the latest broadband technology to its customers. Network will be made available to other service providers to maximize usage. A network operation center is also included for monitoring and maintaining the network.
The partial rejection of Sandwich Isles’ stimulus funding proposals has put them in a precarious position. SIC’s sister company, Paniolo Cable Company LLC, had a looming debt service payment due February 20th, 2010.
Whether Paniolo paid this obligation on time is unknown. However, I would presume that they did not. SIC’s petition to reverse the NECA’s decision to deny paying the operating cost subsidies for SIC’s new interisland fiber-optic network has not been adjudicated yet by the FCC . Thus, it won’t surprise me if both SIC and Paniolo file bankruptcy soon.
