5th August 2010
Posted in Updates

The State Department of Transportation has agreed to replace the existing 25-foot-wide Foodland Bridge with a new 50-foot bridge–doubling its drainage capacity. A July 30, 2010 news release posted by the Lā‘ie Community Association says the project is scheduled to start in 2011.

The Laie Community Association (LCA) has been working with Hawaii Reserves, Inc., BYU-Hawaii, and the Polynesian Cultural Center to address drainage issues through the Envision Lā‘ie process.

The community’s storm system was built in 1961. There are more than 50 inlets throughout Lā‘ie with two system outfalls emptying into the ocean near the Polynesian Cultural Center and at the drainage canal by Foodland. The bridge outfall at the Foodland canal is 25 feet wide and under capacity.

“The outfall at the Foodland Bridge is a major bottleneck in our system,” said Kevin Schlag, chair of the LCA Drainage Committee. “Widening the bridge is critical to improving drainage in Laie.” Schlag also thanked all of those involved in facilitating the agreement with The Hawaii Department of Transportation.

LCA’s President, Pane Meatoga, also noted that there is more work to be done, “We look forward to working with the state, residents and landowners through the Envision Laie process to continue to find drainage solutions for our community.”