FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       May 3, 2006                                                                               

CITY IMPOSES TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

ON KAIOLU STREET

            Beginning today (Wednesday, May 3, 2006), the City will impose traffic restrictions on Kaiolu Street in Waikiki to minimize disturbances to the sewer main that lies under the street. The restrictions include a speed limit of 15 miles per hour and a vehicle weight limit of 5 tons.

            Signs informing motorists of the restrictions are being posted today near the makai end of the one-way street, which extends one block from Kuhio Avenue to Ala Wai Boulevard. Vehicles that exceed the 5 ton limit may use Kalaimoku or Lewers to get to Ala Wai from Kuhio.

            On March 24, a rupture occurred in the 42-inch sewer force main. Emergency repairs prompted the discharge of 48 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the Ala Wai Canal. The City was already working on design for a second main when the rupture occurred. The City is now preparing to build an emergency construction bypass to provide temporary redundancy until the permanent second  line is constructed. The emergency bypass is scheduled to be completed before the next rainy season.

            What exactly caused the force main to rupture has not been determined. However, City engineers noted it appeared the bell joint where the rupture occurred had moved, cracking the 42-year-old reinforced concrete main, which lies almost 10 feet underground at that point. After the main was repaired, precautionary measures were taken to stabilize the repaired pipe.

            As an extra precaution, the traffic restrictions are being implemented in order to minimize ground vibration and the threat of another rupture. They will be in effect until construction of the emergency bypass is completed later this year.

            In addition, the City Department of Environmental Services has notified private refuse haulers who service buildings on Kaiolu Street about the restrictions. The City is coordinating with public safety agencies to ensure the restrictions do not hamper their response to emergencies.

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767