On Thursday, August 8, 2018, the Hawaii Employers Council hosted an update from STG (aka Shimmick/Taylor/Granite) on the status of the rail project from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street.  STG is tasked with constructing 5.2 miles of the rail project, which includes stations at Pearl Harbor, the Airport, Lagoon Drive, and Middle Street.

Construction and Road Closures on Ualena Street

STG is currently conducting preliminary foundation work (i.e. drilling) along Ualena Street.  Further construction and utility work on Ualena will begin once STG obtains permit approval for utility plans from the city, which they expect will happen within the next couple of months.  Once the permit is approved and further construction begins, Ualena will be converted into a one-directional street. 

Construction and Road Closure on Waiwai Loop

Similarly, once their utility plans receive permit approval, STG will also begin construction on Waiwai Loop, which is where the Hawaii Employers Council is located.  During construction, Waiwai Loop will be converted into a one way street, with the entrance being at the Makai end of the street and the exit being on the Mauka end.  Street parking will also be eliminated during construction.

Traffic Signal at Lagoon Drive / Ualena Street

A traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Lagoon Drive and Ualena Street. STG’s goal is to install the traffic signal as soon as possible.

Parking in Keehi Lagoon Park

STG is currently working with the city on obtaining a permit to build parking stalls in Keehi Lagoon Park to be used by businesses that have had parking stalls displaced due to the rail construction.  There may also be some additional parking stalls for others to use, pending city approval.  According to STG, there is “one more meeting” with the city before they get approval to build/pave the parking stalls.

Construction Timeframe

Although STG did not provide any definitive timelines for the next phases of the rail construction project, they stated their intention to provide advance notice of the construction work once their permit is approved.  Altogether, STG estimates that the construction work along Ualena Street and Waiwai Loop will last between 1.5 to 2 years. 

Once construction is completed, some street parking stalls will be restored but others will be eliminated.

Individuals travelling in the area, including those who are coming to the Hawaii Employers Council, should plan accordingly. 

Further updates can be found on STG’s Facebook page here: STG Hawaii.