FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     June 5, 2007

Release No. M-58-07

CITY HOLDS SUMMIT ON WASTEWATER WORK

Industry partners sought for $1.5 billion

in construction projects

            What: City Wastewater Capital Improvements Program Information Meeting

            When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14, 2007

             Where: Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall

            With plans for nearly $1.5 billion in upgrades of Oahu’s wastewater collection and treatment systems over the next six years, the City is holding an informational meeting for everyone who might be involved in the work.

            “The wastewater improvements are an ambitious undertaking that require a strong partnership with the construction industry, labor unions and professional services,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. “We’re holding a day-long seminar to let people know the opportunities for participation and to begin building those public-private partnerships.”

            The City Wastewater Capital Improvements Program Information Meeting will be held  June 14 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

            City Environmental Services Director Eric Takamura said, “This meeting is a chance for contractors, trade unions, suppliers, construction industry-related professions and professional organizations to receive timely, comprehensive information about current and future public works projects.

              “Our hope is that by providing the information in this fashion, those in the construction industry can better plan for the tremendous amount of work that will be generated by these CIP projects,” Takamura added.

            The program includes an overview of the  wastewater CIP program, a roundtable discussion on the opportunities and challenges of implementing a $1.5 billion construction program and a lunchtime keynote address by Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

             In addition, representatives from various City departments will staff booths to provide information and answer questions.

            The meeting is free and open to the general public, but pre-registration is required. No-host lunch will be available.

             Media coverage of this event is welcome.  For additional information, visit the ENV website at http://www.envhonolulu.org/

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Media contacts:

Ken Kawahara, 692-5372