Transformation of Nimitz Highway Complete in Time for APEC
11/07/11 - The DOT announces the completion of the Nimitz Highway Beautification project. The new system, which includes 163 palm trees, grass, other sustainable plants and a new irrigation system, is designed to provide a unique sense of place and to be sustainable with existing DOT maintenance resources.
HONOLULU – The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed a landscaping and beautification project along Nimitz Highway in time for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference which starts tomorrow, though the improvements will serve the people of Hawaii and the tourism industry for decades to come. The project includes 163 coconut trees and Fiji palms, two acres of Saint Augustine grass and a new irrigation system on the median of a 1.25-mile stretch of the highway between Sand Island Access Road and the vicinity of Alakawa Street.
"This facelift to one of the main roadways that lead into downtown and Waikiki is long overdue," said Governor Neil Abercrombie. "But its completion reminds us of what can be done when we invest in areas that have been neglected. It also leaves a better impression of the beauty that our islands offer when first time visitors head into Waikiki."
The project cost approximately $1.3 million from the Highway Fund. It incorporated three fundamental design elements - sustainability, durability and the creation of a unique Hawaii sense of place. The design incorporates low-maintenance plants that will be sustainable with existing DOT maintenance resources. The palms will be pruned twice a year and the grass will be mowed twice a month.
