DOW holds blessing ceremony for Lihue Baseyard Improvements Project LIHUE – The Department of Water (DOW) held a blessing ceremony, Dec. 18, to mark the start of construction for the Lihue Baseyard Improvements Project. “Our existing building was constructed in 1971 and we have outgrown the capacity while it deteriorates and requires increased maintenance,” said Dustin Moises, DOW’s construction project management officer. The Lihue Baseyard Improvements Project is one initiative included in the DOW’s Water Plan 2020, a comprehensive long-range plan that addresses the need to upgrade deteriorating and aging infrastructures on Kauai. Construction is expected to start on Jan. 5, 2015. “Id like to thank the Department of Health for the $2-million green energy grant provided to us, as this project would not have happened without their support,” Moises said. “It has been a long and involved process to develop the property through the planning, permitting and design phases. We would not be here without the hard work and cooperation of our consultants, the Mayor and his administration, the county council, various state agencies and our contractor.” The construction contract was awarded to Unlimited Construction Services Inc., through funding by the Hawaii State Department of Health – Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and their Green Project Reserve Grant program, as well as the Build America Bond Program. The $10.6 million project will replace the DOW’s aging Lihue baseyard facility and attend to current and future administrative and operational needs. The replacement project includes furnishing and constructing a 15,000-square-feet administration building and various offsite improvements such as access roads, walkways and landscaping. It is designed with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles to meet energy and safe drinking water guidelines. Such features include solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems, rain catchment, electric vehicle charging stations, underground storm water retention systems, and a transfer from an existing aerobic septic system to a sewer system. The project is anticipated to complete in 2017. “While we remember the past, are mindful of the present, and look forward to the future, today is symbolic of a new beginning for the DOW,” Moises said. “This home will further our mission to provide safe, affordable, sufficient drinking water through wise management of our resources and with excellent customer service for the people of Kauai.” The Reverend Jade Battad performed the blessing ceremony. “The Mayor always talks about how it takes many people working together in collaboration, love and harmony with each other to make big things happen like this,” said Battad, at the blessing ceremony. “And projects like this lets us know that we’re moving forward and we’re doing good things.” The DOW would like to thank residents and businesses in the area for their patience and cooperation while construction is in progress. Courtesy notifications have also been sent to nearby residents and businesses. For more information, please call the Department of Water at 245-5455.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:35:41 +0000