SAM O. HIROTA, INC.
HONOLULU, HAWAII
Kamehame Utility Tunnel 36-inch Main Rehabilitation
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As the engineering subconsultant to Koga Engineering, SOH completed work on the Board of Water Supply (BWS) Kamehame Utility Tunnel 36-inch Main Rehabilitation, performing all engineering design services, which included a new 30-inch HDPE line within the existing 36-inch main, two sampling taps at the ends of the new 30-inch main within a protective enclosure and two bevel geared gate valves with Type A manholes at both entrances along the existing 36-inch main and related appurtenances.
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Intense planning and coordination took place between structural and geotechnical engineers, archeologist, the BWS, Koga, and SOH for the critical emergency installation and transition to the new beveled gate valve and concrete valve box. Water service was relocated to a nearby 12-inch line during the transition and restored promptly after the transition with no unnecessary impact to the surrounding community.
The Hawaii Kai to Kalama Valley water main is an important element in water distribution to Kalama. The process involved digging up Mokuhano Street in Kalama Valley, installing the concrete enclosure and gate valve, burying everything, and repaving the street and parts of the sidewalks. While it sounds straightforward, the logistics of placing multi-ton concrete boxes and giant valves in streets lined with parked cars and passing city buses was daunting.
Client:
Honolulu Board of Water Supply