Ha‘ikū Stairs

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and project contractor The Nakoa Companies Inc. announced earlier this month that preparatory work on the Ha‘ikū Stairs removal project has officially begun, with the removal of more than 600 stair modules scheduled to start later this month.

“We are full speed ahead with the focus on safety,” explained DDC Director Milles on this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast.

The Ha‘ikū Stairs were built by the U.S. military during World War II and have been officially closed to the public since 1987. With work on the removal project now officially underway, the City and County of Honolulu is warning anyone who ignores posted “No Trespassing” signs that the stairway is now an active work site and should be considered extremely dangerous.

The Natatorium

DDC is working on the engineering plans for the rehabilitation of the Natatorium.

“Our first phase of design is going to be completed next month,” said Haku Milles. He goes on to say, “we have to make a presentation to the neighborhood board. I think we’re planning that in the next couple of months. We’ll have a better idea on cost next month once the first phase of design is completed.”

The City has funded the design phase of the project, demonstrating our commitment to restoring this iconic landmark. Construction costs for the project will be a public private partnership with the City which we will announce the plans once we are ready to move forward.

Energy Service Performance Contract

A project Haku and Bryan were excited to talk about involved an Energy Service Performance Contract. These agreements are used to make building improvements that reduce energy and water usage and increase operational efficiency.

“We actually work with a bank and a contractor to basically front end the construction to install PV panels, anything energy efficiency, LED lighting, water savings, water heaters, anything we can find throughout City facilities,” explained DDC Deputy Director Bryan Gallagher.

Haku went on to credit the success of this project to the hard work of Allyn Lee, program administrator and leader of DDC’s mechanical electrical division.