West Hawaii Today recently published several letters to the editor (here, here, and here) regarding the upcoming Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project. I believe these complaints could’ve been addressed if the DOT did a supplemental environmental assessment.
The current EA was done in 1996. The recently uncovered archaeological sites near the highway right of way could’ve been identified sooner if a supplemental EA was completed before this project was awarded. In addition, West Hawaii has dramatically changed since the original FEA was accepted. New developments, such as Kohanaiki Industrial Park and the Shores at Kohanaiki were built during this time. On top of that, NELHA has greatly expanded their presence.
The DCCA-CATV division and Oceanic Time Warner Cable recently agreed to extend the deadline to decide Oceanic’s Hawaii County cable franchise renewal application until December 31st, 2011.
Lanihau Properties LLC recently obtained their grading and NPDES permits on October 27th, 2011. This paves the way for them to begin excavation/grading work south of Kaloko Industrial Park next month.
Lastly, John Morton, Vice President for Community Colleges- University of Hawaii, provided this update regarding the future Palamanui college campus.
“Aaron,
The architect is slated to finish all design work in November and we will then submit the plans for county permits. The granting of the permits triggers the obligation for Palamanui to place their portion of the construction costs into escrow. Still on track for that to happen.”
