The public participated in an open house held by the Hawaii Community Development Authority on the proposed Queen Street Improvements Project (ID-11) on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., in the Kewalo Conference Room at Ward Warehouse.  HCDA sponsored the open house to solicit input from community members on how the Authority should proceed with the Queen Street Infrastructure Development Project between Kamakee Street and Ward Avenue (ID-11).

Community members were invited to attend anytime during the event to review the options on the project and provide input on how best to proceed with ID-11 or another alternative.  The open house format was designed to enable interested community members to participate at a time convenient to them.  It was also an opportunity to learn about broader activities with regard to planning for the Mauka Area of Kaka‘ako.  Those attending received a personal briefing on the project, were able to talk one-on-one with HCDA staff, and shared their thoughts and ideas on the approach HCDA should take going forward.

The open house was held in response to recent developments on the project.  On January 10, 2007, HCDA staff reported to the Authority that the construction cost of ID-11 has increased substantially.  This increase was due in large part to revisions that were made to the construction plans as required by the City and County of Honolulu.

Due to the increase in project costs, and after consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, the staff will recommend canceling the existing construction contract and report to the Authority on the community’s input on how HCDA should proceed with ID-11 or another alternative.