The Hawaii PUC issued an interim order approving HELCO’s Palani Road utility pole relocation application on May 27th, 2010. I’m absolutely ecstatic that HELCO can start committing resources to this pole relocation project. It also allows Nan/CTS Earthmoving Inc. to start reconstructing/widening Palani Road between Henry Street and Queen Kaahumanu Highway in the near future.
It seems my op-ed about the anti-Mauna Kea astronomy activists has elicited a firestorm of criticism. The responses are not surprising. However, it really bothers me when a certain individual attempts to insult me in lieu of responding civilly. This anonymous individual has no clue who I am or what I stand for.
I received this e-mail response from the Hawaii Department of Water Supply regarding my concerns about the incomplete HOVE well facility.
“Mr. Stene,
In response to your email inquiry regarding the subject project, below is our Department’s testimony of April 21, 2010, to the Honorable Robert Herkes and members of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, regarding H.R. 136, HD 1:
The following is a timeline of events for the HOVE Water Facilities Project which includes funds that were expended or encumbered in contracts, as well as future events towards final completion.
· May 2005 – Legislature passes Act 178, appropriating the $6M. Funds to lapse in June 2008.
· July 2005 – Sate Comptroller issues Appropriations Warrant No. 234.
· October 2005 – County of Hawaii requests Governor to release funds.
· March 2006 – Governor and Budget and Finance release funds with Allotment Advice No 06-0444.
· November 2006 – SSFM contracted for $0.16M to plan and design Phase 1 (Exploratory Drilling). Contract also includes locating the well/storage and fill sites and pipeline route, and environmental assessment.
· June 2007 – Supplemental contract for $0.44M executed with SSFM to prepare a design/build process for Phase 2 due to time limitation.
· August 2007 – Exploratory Drilling Contract for $1.9Mexecuted.
· May 2008 – Design/build contract for $3.4M for Phase 2 executed. Note, contract executed to encumber funds scheduled to lapse in June 2008; time extension would not be considered by Legislature. Further, Phase 2 cannot proceed until final results of Phase 1, Exploratory Well Drilling.
· May 2009 – Phase 1 completed. Phase 2 proceeding with design and permit approvals; construction to tentatively start in December 2009.
· August 2009 – Discussions with community for larger capacity reservoir and additional standpipe.
· November 2009 – County Council approves $0.4M for larger reservoir and additional standpipe.
· Present – Contractor finalizing design and securing all necessary permits. Pipes stored at well site and material stockpiled at fill site.
· Future – Phase 2 construction to be completed in 15 months (second half of 2011).
The following is the project budget:
· Land Acquisition – $0.236M
· Consultant – $0.441M
· Phase 1 – $1.922M
· Phase 2 – $3.401M
· Phase 2 Add – $0.400M (County Funds)
The delays in this project have been experienced due to our desire to accommodate as much as possible the desires of the community’s selected representatives.
The Department has been working closely with the consultants and contractor to bring this important project for the community to fruition. Barring further delays, the project can be completed before the end of 2011.”
Mayor Kenoi believes the Hawaii County Council shouldn’t cut the budget further. Mayor, I’m sorry to say this, but your opinion is incorrect. For example, the council could do away with funding vacant positions. Maui County has already done this. In addition, the council needs to take a close look at eliminating non-essential services such as the Hawaii County Band.
Lastly, the plaintiffs and Parker Ranch have reached a settlement agreement extension. The Parker Ranch Connector Road will be opened to the public on or before August 28th, 2010.
I’m happy the parties were able to reach and consensus without having to go back to court. Nevertheless, there is still unanswered questions about the delay. Why is it taking Parker Ranch until August to formalize the dedication of this roadway to the county? There is no other outstanding issues which would preclude the opening of this roadway. In addition, why did Parker Ranch wait until the last minute to initiate the dedication of this roadway. They should have taken care of this issue a long time ago.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Regarding Maui County’s budget, the article you cited said that vacant positions were removed but it did not say that ALL of them were. That could be the fault of the reporter but I believe if all of them were cut that would be noted.
And I also see that Maui’s County Council has other money available should the Fire Dept. run out of funds, so it appears their budget is not as austere as it could be.