Tag Archives: Road and Highway Builders

December 6, 2011

Saddle Road Improvement Project Update

By Aaron Stene

The HDOT/CFLHD were unable to conduct a final inspection of the recently completed Saddle Road phase (between m.m 11-m.m 19) due to scheduling conflicts. The roadway inspection will be rescheduled for a later date.

The  CFLHD recently gave Road and Highway Builders a change order request. They want RHB to install a Nene crossing. It should be completed this week.

I spoke to the HDOT regarding the soon to be advertised Mamalahoa Highway resurfacing project (between Makalei and Palani Junction). They hope to post the bid solicitation by mid-December.

Keauhou Kona Construction Corporation is slated to begin utility conduit trenching by the future Palamanui College roadway/ Kaiminani Drive intersection this week. It will take about three weeks complete. There will be intermittent traffic disruptions as a result.

Target has announced their Kona location will undergo a three month renovation starting on December 27th. They’re rolling out a new company wide initiative, which expands the consumables area.

Lastly, I know most people are reticent about posting comments on my blog postings. This is likely due to mundane topics that I blog about. However, it would be nice if more of my readers would e-mail me if they appreciate all my hard work.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

December 2, 2011

The Villages At Aina Le’a Project Update

By Aaron Stene

The HDOT conducted the final inspection of recently dedicated Saddle Road phase (between m.m 11 and m.m 19) this week. I recently spoke to the contractor. They’ve demobilized and started to ship their equipment to Oahu for their next project.

Bridge Aina Le’a LLC filed a memorandum in opposition in response to the state’s motion requesting the dismissal of their lawsuit against the State Land Use Commission. The Court is slated to hear the state’s motion on December 19th, 2011.

The Court has posted the upcoming schedule for this lawsuit, if the judge doesn’t dismiss it on December 19th.

Hawaii’s economy will be on the firing line in 2013, if dramatic across the board cuts to the defense budget isn’t reversed.

The popularity of Internet video streaming may force cable companies to forgo offering unlimited Internet access. I hope this doesn’t happen because I spend a lot of my free time on the Internet.

Lastly, some of the Mauna Kea telescope’s international partners are facing serious budgetary issues. This may affect operations up on the mountain.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

September 20, 2011

Kona Commons Newest Tenants

By Aaron Stene

Maryl Group Construction recently started construction on makai pad fronting the Target at Kona Commons. AT&T Wireless and a Bank of Hawaii branch is slated to anchor this building. The mauka pad is slated to be a McDonalds.

Road and Highway Builders has about a day of paving left (weather permitting) between m.m 11-m.m 19 on Saddle Road. The roadway striping and signage will be the remaining punch list items after the paving is complete.

This is the latest update regarding the Kiholo Bay lookout intersection widening project.

“Sandwich Isles work is basically completed. Grace Pacific and us should be starting back up after the Ironman. Work on Queen K was prohibited for three weeks prior to the Ironman.”

The Mamalahoa Highway resurfacing project (between Makalei and Palani Junction) is slated to go out to bid by mid-October. The FHWA recently obligated funds for this project after the HDOT submitted the required environmental documentation.

Lastly, WHT  recently published my letter to the editor regarding impact fees. The Conservative Forum for Hawaii‘s recent letter to the editor criticizing this funding mechanism was the impetus for this rebuttal.

I e-mailed the Conservative Forum for Hawaii after their letter was published. They believe the county should cut their budget to pay for these improvements instead of enacting an impact fee.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

August 30, 2011

HOVE Well Facility Update

By Aaron Stene

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.

1 comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

August 26, 2011

Cooper Investment Partners Withdraws Offer To Buy Hokuli’a

By Aaron Stene

Cooper Investment Partners withdrew their letter of intent to purchase the Hokuli’a project ten days ago, according to multiple anonymous sources. Lloyds Banking Group is actively seeking interested investors to buy this development.

I’m not surprised they decided to back out. The project faces a myriad of lawsuits. In addition, Cooper Investments would be responsible for paying for Hokulia’s stiff encumbrances. These issues likely played a large role in their decision to withdraw.

Road and Highway Builders LLC has paved another 1.25 miles of roadway (between m.m 11-m.m 19 on Saddle Road) since August 1st. They’ve paved about 7.25 out of 8 miles (RHB still needs to lay the final layer of asphalt on some of the new roadway though).

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company provided this update regarding the status their Kealakehe Parkway baseyard.

“The crushing phase of the work is done. We are testing the newly crushed material for compliance with State specification, which is the final step before completing the sale.

I had to move my 3 man crew to our bridge project in Paauilo to assist us in getting back on schedule. The crew should be done just before Labor Day. The crew will then work on preparing an area at our Hamakua base yard to where the crushing equipment will be stored. We expect to be back onsite by September 12th to begin dismantling the crusher. It normally takes about 5 working days to prepare the equipment for travel.”

Hawaii County filed their brief in opposition to the Coupes Hokuli’a bypass USSCT cert petition on August 17th, 2011. The justices will review this petition at their September 26th, 2011 conference hearing. The Court will grant a writ of certiorari if four (out of nine justices) agree to hear this case.

Lastly, Honolulu Civil Beat published an excellent commentary about the public’s right to film police officers while on duty. I completely concur with the Civil Beat’s take on this. The public has every right to do this- from a safe distance.

1 comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Transportation

August 5, 2011

Road And Highway Builders LLC You Tube Videos

By Aaron Stene

I stumbled upon these You Tube videos showing Road and Highway Builders LLC‘s ongoing work up on on Saddle Road.

Road and Highway Builders LLC soliciting bids for their equipment being used for the ongoing Saddle Road phase (between m.m 11- m.m 19)

Road and Highway Builders LLC‘s asphalt plant located at Pohakuloa Training Area.
(I wonder what is in those brown RHB labeled containers)

Road and Highway Builders LLC‘s rock crushing plant also located at Pohakuloa Training Area.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Hawaii Transportation

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