HOVE Well Facility Update

The contractor constructing the stalled Hualalai Vistas channelized intersection project provided this update:

“Aaron,

We are still working on completing the geotechnical report. The geotechnical engineer is awaiting our traffic and erosion control plan.”

I called up Kirkland Construction of Colorado last Thursday (they never replied to several e-mail inquiries). I asked if they could provide project updates after they start work. The lady I spoke to assured me someone would call me back (I’m still waiting for a callback).

Road and Highway Builders LLC graciously provided these updates for the current phase between m.m 11 and m.m 19. However, it feels like I’ve hit a brick wall with this upcoming phase. Dave Gedeon, the CFLHD Saddle Road project manager, said I could e-mail him general project questions, but he would be unable to provide project updates. So, I’ll likely get it from the HDOT. They promised to provide project updates every two months.

Sites C and G are the best locations for the proposed Kona Judiciary complex. The intersection between Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway will likely be signalized. Both of these sites could use this intersection instead of having to add another traffic signal on Kealakehe Parkway. In addition, the State Judiciary complex would be centrally located across or next to the West Hawaii Civic Center.

The future HOVE well facility has encountered yet another snag (The Ka’u Calender elaborates a bit more about the specific issues). Nevertheless, I hope these issues are not show stoppers and don’t significantly delay the completion of this much-needed facility.

Related item: Work stopped on Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well

Hawaii’s dependence on the military, tourism, agriculture, and construction is not sustainable and have poor long term growth prospects. This comment succinctly summarizes Hawaii’s economic dilemma:

“Rogers also warned that the state would not “break barriers” in agriculture, tourism, construction and the military.

“These are industries are not poised to grow,” he said. “The only industry we have that can really grow is Internet-based industry speed in the nation, and if we have the highest broadband speed in the nation, we will be the next Silicon Valley — right here in Hawaii. And we will be the ones who have made it happen.”

Lastly, I wish more people would comment or drop me an e-mail about my blog postings. This blog gets approximately 200 daily page views. So, I should get more feedback.