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The Public Works Division plans, coordinates, organizes, directs and controls a variety of engineering and architectural services for the State, including land acquisition, planning, designing, inspecting and managing construction projects, facilitating quality control, contracting, construction management, and equipping facilities and other improvements for State agencies.  The Division, through its Leasing Branch, locates, negotiates and leases office space in non-state buildings for user agencies.

Kauai Judiciary Complex

The Kaua‘i Judiciary Complex: consists of a 113,000 sf, 3 story building constructed on a 6.5 acre parcel of land near the Kaua‘i Veteran’s Center and the Līhu‘e Airport. It is now known as “Pu‘uhonua Kaulike”, which translates to “Sanctuary of Justice”. One wing of the building contains six courtrooms and judicial chambers and another houses administrative functions and court user services. The complex also has updated security provisions not found in most of the existing courthouses in Hawai‘i. All the courtrooms have video recording capability. The cost of construction of the facility was roughly $37 million, with about another $4 million in equipment and furnishings. This state-of-the-art complex will be a significant improvement over current Judiciary facilities on the Garden Isle in that it contains much-needed additional space to conduct court operations, along with ample parking for employees and the public. The complex will enable the consolidation of Judiciary facilities located in rented spaces in various parts of the island. The building was the recipient of Hawaiian Cement’s 2006 Concrete Achievement Award, New Public Building.

Pai'olu Kaiaulu

Pai‘olu Kaiāulu : The shelter, which previously has been referred to as the Wai‘anae Civic Center site, is named Pai‘olu Kaiāulu, meaning “lift of encouragement as the journey begins.” Since the doors opened on March 1, 2007, 64 people (35 adults and 29 children), including 11 families, four couples and six single adults, have moved into the facility. The shelter will accommodate approximately 300 people when fully occupied. Planning, Design and Construction by the State Department of Accounting and General Services (Public Works and Central Services Divisions) was completed in February of 2007 in just six months. The cost of the facility is estimated at $7.6 million, which includes consultants, contractors, landscaping and other project costs.

Kahua Ranch Radio Facility


The ICSD (Information Communication Services Division) Kahua Ranch Radio Facility is one link in the Anuenue Radio system. The purpose of the Anuenue Radio system is to install a modern high capacity digital interconnect to replace analog radio channels used by various public agencies. This is a statewide radio system being built in a partnership between the State of Hawaii, Department of Accounting and General Services, and the US Coast Guard. Kahua Ranch is located in the Kohala Mountains on northwestern portion of the island of Hawaii. The Kahua Ranch Radio Facility has been awarded the American Public Works Association (Hawaii Chapter), Project of the Year, for structures less that $2,000,000.

Next Step Shelter Next Step Project, Kakaako Temporary Transitional Shelter: Given less than five days to make all necessary arrangements and improvements to convert a “bare bones” warehouse space to a habitable overnight shelter to house 200 displaced persons of all ages, DAGS Public Works and Central Services Divisions’ staffs completed the physical requirements of the project on time to meet the May 1, 2006 opening targeted by the Governor. After opening, the shelter’s enrollment swelled to 300 persons, and additional improvements were made to provide additional amenities and services.

Hawaii Film Studio  

Hawaii Film Studio Renovations and Improvements, Honolulu, Oahu: The Technical (Shop) Building (above left) and one of three Production Office Buildings (above right) will enhance Hawaii film production at the Diamond Head site of the Hawaii Film Studio.

Kakuhihewa Building Kakuhihewa Building (Kapolei State Office Building): The Kakuhihewa Building scored a rating of 95 out of a possible 100, and was cited “for demonstrating superior energy performance” by the EPA. It is one of only 14 facilities awarded the Energy Star in the state.

Storm Damage Assessment  

Storm Damage Assessment, State Civil Defense Assistance – Kauai and Oahu,: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement of costs. (left above) Repairs in progress near Wailapa Road downstream of Morita Dam on Kauai after recordbreaking 41 days of rain in March and April, 2006. On Kauai and Oahu, storms caused widespread damage including extensive soil erosion and damage to structures. Photo at right is of a loosened bridge pier at Sacred Falls, Oahu.