Investing in Infrastructure
As part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Governor Lingle in December 2008 to stimulate the economy and create jobs, Governor Lingle released $6.6 million this week to invest in highway improvements on Kaua`i, security upgrades at O`ahu harbors and improvements at Manuka State Wayside on the Big Island.
Manuka State Wayside Park receives $1 million as part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' ongoing efforts to upgrade state parks, trails and small boat harbors statewide.
On Thursday, the Governor released $4,175,000 for intersection improvements along Kūhiō and Kaumuali`i highways on Kaua`i.
Of the $4.1 million released for Kaua`i roadways, $2 million will be used to construct dedicated left-turn lanes from Kūhiō Highway onto Waiakalua Street and North Waiakalua Street in Kīlauea. Currently, there are no left-turn lanes on Kūhiō Highway at these intersections. When cars stop and wait to make left turns, through traffic will often use the paved right shoulder to pass the stopped car, which has created hazardous driving conditions in this area.
Other funds will improve safety at intersections and extend traffic lanes to reduce congestion.
Also this week, Governor Lingle released $1.5 million in construction funds that will improve perimeter fencing and security improvements at Honolulu and Kalaeloa Barbers Point harbors on O`ahu.
These project improvements are needed at Honolulu and Kalaeloa Barbers Point harbors to comply with U.S. Coast Guard port security requirements during heightened Maritime Security (MARSEC) levels.
At Honolulu Harbor, this includes installing perimeter fencing that is at least eight feet high, with architectural fencing used in areas where views of the ocean would be aesthetically compromised by chain link fencing. In addition, 14 new gates and three portable guard shacks will be installed to control access points during heightened MARSEC levels.
At Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, improvements will include installing a permanent guard shack at the main entry on John Wayne Avenue, to ensure security personnel have an adequate base for their communications and protection from high winds and rain, as well as one portable guard shack.
In addition, Governor Lingle also released $1 million in planning, design and construction funds for comfort station, entry road, parking lot, landscaping, pavilion and picnic area improvements at Manuka State Wayside on the Big Island.
"Project improvements will increase access to the natural and cultural resources at Manuka State Wayside and build on ongoing efforts by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to upgrade state parks, trails and small boat harbors statewide," said Governor Lingle.
Manuka State Wayside provides a rest stop for commuters between East and West Hawai`i and offers unique environmental and recreational resources, including the Manuka Natural Area Reserve and the two-mile Manuka Nature Trail, where hikers can view old lava flows, a pit crater and cultural sites. The park also possesses a historic water catchment system comprised of a series of redwood tanks.
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Follow the progress of these projects and more than 1,500 other projects included in the Governor's capital improvement project plan on the Governor's website at www.hawaii.gov/cip.
