FAQs

GENERAL

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Where is the project site?

Pearl City – Waiawa and Pearl Highlands areas.

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What will the project include?

• A new potable water transmission main that will extend from the northern-end of Waihona Street, and tie into the existing water main near Lehua Avenue.
   

• Installation of two smaller lines that will provide for a continuation of service to the Manana Housing Area (military housing), as well as a fire line reconnection for the Hawaii Army National Guard facility.
   

• Abandonment or removal of the existing water lines, piping, pipe supports, and valve vaults.

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The project will provide adequate infrastructure to deliver the required level of potable, fire protection, and water service to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).

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When was the original transmission line installed and what is its current condition?

The existing waterline was installed in 1953. It is over 60 years old and has reached the end of its useful/service life.

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When was this project contract awarded and to whom?

On March 29, 2019, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co., Inc. (HDCC) of Honolulu, Hawaii, a $48,298,000 million firm-fixed price contract to install a potable water transmission main at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

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What command will manage this construction project?

NAVFAC Hawaii’s Public Works Department Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (PWD JBPHH), Facilities Engineering, Acquisition Division (FEAD).

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How long is the project expected to take?

The project is schedule to be completed during the 4th quarter of 2024. 

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When/Where will the project start?

Work on the Waiawa Navy Waterline Project will begin at the northern end of Waihona Street and proceed to Kamehameha Highway, where it will cross and continue behind The Home Depot, ending near Lehua Avenue.  

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Will there be any utility or road outages for residents along the project route?

There will be no anticipated utility outages; however, numerous lane closures are expected throughout the project. Construction impacts to area residents, businesses, and commuters will be regularly communicated through a project website and various fact sheets as needed.

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Will project area residents, businesses, commuters, etc… be inconvenienced during the project?

Measures will be taken to specifically manage traffic and safety issues when the waterline crosses various roadways along the project route.

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How will project area residents, businesses, commuters, etc… be kept informed of project progress? 

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii will be providing regular communications to area residents, businesses, and commuters affected by the project.  Various flyers and legal notices will be distributed explaining what to expect and how to deal with project-related disruptions, impacts or issues, as needed. In addition, representatives will attend monthly Pearl City Neighborhood Board meetings and provide up-to-date materials at those meetings about the status of construction. In addition, a project-specific website  is available to keep all interested parties informed 24/7.

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PLANNING / REAL ESTATE

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What permits are needed for this utilities project?

As of June 2019, the contractor has received the necessary noise permit as well as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Other pending permits include street usage, performing work on state highways and trenching.

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ENVIRONMENTAL

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What environmental actions will be taken during this project?

Various erosion control measures will put in place to prevent discharge into area storm drain system and streams.

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How will excess excavation material be handled and where will it be taken?

All excess material will be removed from the site and properly disposed of at an on-island, permitted facility.

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EXECUTION

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What is the project’s estimated timeline/milestones?

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• March 29, 2019 - Construction Project Awarded to HDCC

• August 12, 2019 - Contractor Starts/Mobilization

• 4th Quarter 2024 - Estimated Construction Completion

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Dates subject to change

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

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Parking Issues

 

Waihona Street is a very busy business area with limited parking. What actions will be taken when construction reduces that limited parking?

HDCC is working with the County Abandoned Vehicle Coordinator and local businesses to have derelict vehicles, dumpsters, tractor-trailers and other items currently in open street parking areas removed to free up some parking. This will assist with parking outages caused by construction safety zones.

 

With limited parking being taken up by construction, where will Waihona Street business employees and customers park?

We hope that parking will be available once the derelict vehicles, dumpsters, tractor-trailers and other items currently in open street parking areas are removed

 

Where will construction contractor personnel be parking along Waihona Street? Will they be using the limited open street parking?

The contractor will park their personal vehicles in their laydown area and only drive their work vehicles to the work area.

 

Has the construction contractor considered providing alternative parking for Waihona Street businesses that are impacted by the large safety areas (1,100 ft) around the construction work (300 ft sections) that will take away a large amount of the limited street parking?

Not at this time.

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Day Work/Safety Issues

 

Why is this waterline project being executed during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday and not nights and weekends when Waihona Street is less busy?

The project is being done during the day due to safety concerns.  The contractor is contracted and permitted to work during daytime hours.  Working at night is inherently more dangerous, and if the contractor has to work at night we expect the project to take 25% longer. 

 

What safety actions are going to be put in place to protect Waihona Street business employees and customers during construction?

Flagmen and special duty police officers will be engaged to assist with lane closures and access issues.

 

What actions are going to be taken to make sure Waihona Street businesses and their customers have access during construction work?

The contractor will work to try to minimize the impact and to ensure access points are available at all times. Flagmen and special duty police officers will be engaged to assist with lane closures and access issues.

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Sidewalk Issues

 

Many sections of Waihona Street sidewalks is inaccessible. How are Waihona Street business employees and customers going to safely walk from limited street parking around areas under construction?

The contractor will delineate the work area to ensure pedestrians are kept out of the construction area.  City and County of Honolulu has been contacted to maintain sidewalk access.

 

 

Notification

 

Why wasn’t there notification of the project?

 

The HDCC/Navy provided notification of the project through the following:

• NAVFAC Pacific Press Release – March 29, 2019

• Letter to Hawaii Leaders in the Pearl City Area – June 21, 2019 (legislature reps, city council reps, neighborhood board chair, community groups, etc.)

• Notice to Motorists – Honolulu Star Advertiser – June 23, 2019

• Established Project Website – www.waiawanavywaterline.com – July 15, 2019

• Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting – July 23, 2019

• Canvasing Businesses along Waihona Street – Since August 5, 2019

• Waipahu, Aiea and Salt Lake Neighborhood Board Meetings – October 2019

 

Continuous community outreach is part of the project.

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