ALA MOANA BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REACHES COMPLETION

Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., and officials from the state Department of Transportation (DOT), the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Waikiki Improvement Association joined together today to dedicate the Ala Moana Boulevard Improvement Project.  The widening, upgrade and beautification of one of the most widely used thoroughfares into and out of Waikiki by residents and visitors is a result of a successful state and private sector partnership.

“This is the entrance to Waikiki.  We shared a common interest with the Hilton Hawaiian Village to ensure this road was like the red carpet for our visitors and residents,” said Brennon Morioka, director of the state DOT.  “Together we got the job done, and we did it in a timely manner.”

The improvement project, which began in April 2008, included pavement reconstruction and resurfacing, the addition of a fourth eastbound lane from Hobron Lane to Kalia Road and the lengthening of left-turn stacking lanes onto Hobron Lane and Kalia Road, center median landscaping enhancements, replacement of highway lighting with decorative lighting similar to Kalakaua Avenue, and the reconstruction of portions of pedestrian sidewalks and driveways.

“The modernization of Ala Moana Boulevard will help improve traffic flow for the thousands of residents who live and work in Waikiki, as well as kama’aina families who want to enjoy all that Waikiki has to offer,” said Lt. Governor Aiona.  “The public-private collaboration that made this project so successful is an example of the kind of resolve that is needed to ensure we move forward on the stat’s $1.8 billion capital improvement plan to help stimulate and strengthen our economy and create jobs.”

"These improvements to Ala Moana Boulevard complement the investments made by the private sector and help to re-establish Waikiki as a premier visitor destination," said Marsha Wienert, State Tourism Liaison.

"Ala Moana Boulevard is the most significant gateway to Waikiki. Hilton Hawaiian Village and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation have worked together to make this an entry experience befitting a world-class destination. This is a project we can all be proud of,” says Rick Egged, President of the Waikiki Improvement Association.

These road improvements were paid for by the Hilton Hotels Corporation as part of a larger development surrounding the construction of The Grand Waikikian Tower, adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.  The total cost is about $10 million.