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Star-Advertiser: ‘Agency to ask for $6M more for underground Kalaeloa utilities’ (11/24/15)

By Jayna Omaye
Star-Advertiser, 11/24/15

The Hawaii Community Development Authority says a $7 million appropriation from the Legislature to move utility lines underground in Kalaeloa isn’t enough to complete the project after bids to do the work came in high, and it will ask for an additional $6 million.

The project will install underground utility lines from Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway to Midway Street fronting Kalaeloa Airport. The work now will be completed in two phases because of the additional funding needed, said HCDA Executive Director Anthony Ching. Board members voted last month to submit the budget request during the next legislative session.

The electrical system in Kalaeloa, which was built in the 1930s, serves both Navy and non-Navy facilities. The project would separate non-Navy users from the existing Navy system so that each would have its own set of electrical meters.

Telephone and cable lines would also be installed in the new utility system. New electrical service would be provided by Hawaiian Electric Co.

HCDA is facilitating redevelopment of Kalaeloa, which was renamed after the closure of Barbers Point Naval Air Station in 1999.