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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HONOLULU— The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has begun construction on a rockfall mitigation project at Komo Mai Drive in Pearl City. The purpose of the project is to stabilize or demolish rock overhangs and outcroppings along a portion of Komo Mai Drive. The steps involved will include: installation of a rockfall protection fence measuring 220 feet long by 10 feet high; and a wire mesh drape system covering 66,600 square feet (it will measure 785 feet wide by 40 to 120 feet high), with electrical grounding protection as a safety precaution if the overhead HECO cable were to fall and touch the wire mesh. “While the State lacks sufficient resources to address all rockfall hazards across the State, when informed of specific situations that pose a danger to the public's safety, however, we will, and do seek to mitigate that hazard in the most prudent manner possible,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “The Komo Mai situation is a clear example of that commitment to protect the public from the unreasonable risk of serious injury or harm from hazardous conditions existing on State lands,” “This case is made even more urgent because the rockfall hazard poses the additional risk of severing the only artery providing access to and from the Pacific Palisades community and stranding hundreds of families,” Young said. The Board of Land and Natural Resources at its June 23, 2006 meeting approved award of a contract to Prometheus Construction in the amount of $1,258,832.00 for this project. Estimated project completion is by the beginning of February 2007. Funds for this project were a part of the Governor’s executive budget request and approved by the Legislature. During the construction period, efforts will be made to reduce inconvenience to vehicles traveling on Komo Mai Drive. Traffic control measures, involving police officers and appropriate roadway warning signs, may be required at intervals, including closing a portion of the shoulder/walkway area. “We ask the community’s patience during this temporary period of inconvenience as we work to complete this safety protection project as soon as possible,” said Young. DLNR previously briefed the Pearl City Neighborhood Board on the method of construction and other details at a board meeting held on July 25 at Highlands Intermediate School. # # #
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