The bids have been opened for the missing Holu Street roadway segment between Kona Highlands and Kona Wonderview. They came in less than the county’s estimate of $350,000. So, the contract should be awarded within the next two months
(Related item: Hawaii County Public Works construction contracts)
There will be several public hearings regarding the draft financially constrained STIP for FY2011-2014. The most significant change may happen to the realignment of the Kona side of Saddle Road. The funding for this phase is now spread out from FY2012 to 2015. It was previously programmed for only FY2012.
The last Hilo side phase between m.m 5.3 to m.m 11 may also be delayed. The funding for this phase was orginally programmed for FY2012. However, it has possibly slipped for FY2013.
The county is clearing of the brush above the Kamaka’eha Ave and Palani Road intersection in preparation for the upcoming reconstruction of Palani Road between Henry Street and Queen Kaahumanu Highway. In addition, they are installing a fence sealing Queen Liliuokalani Trust’s land and the archaeological sites in this area.
The grubbed parcel south of Macys will be the construction staging area for the future interpretive center.
I’m still waiting for the Hawaiian Telcom apologists to explain how Hawaiian Telcom can supposedly offer 1Gbps service, but also tried to qualify for USF funding. Hawaiian Telcom claimed they didn’t have the financial wherewithal to upgrade their aging last mile copper loop facilities in that FCC petition. This plainly shows that their existing last mile infrastructure is incapable of offering 1Gbps speeds.
I hope Sen. Inouye’s comments regarding Hawaii’s broadband availability doesn’t mean Sandwich Isles Communications has an inside track for federal broadband stimulus funding. There is a lot of non-DHHL areas that don’t have broadband access also. So, it would be unfair that SIC gets awarded this money.
Lastly, I hope Kona’s construction industry rebounds soon. 95% of the unionized carpenters are out of work.
