Heads up, Kailua drivers: starting October 15, the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will be digging into the past before updating the present. According to an announcement on the city's website, there's an archaeological survey scheduled at Kailua Municipal Parking Lot. The aim is to responsibly ensure any historical treasures buried beneath the tarmac are handled properly ahead of slated improvements. You'll still be able to park your ride during the works, but some stalls are going to temporarily disappear.
The DDC is setting out to methodically examine multiple test pits across the parking real estate. This investigation, a precursor to construction, will stagger its way through weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The city planners are keen to disturb as few drivers as possible, so expect to keep using at least one entrance at all times. They’re also aiming to make sure to smoothly manage traffic flow around Aulike Street and Maluniu Avenue, where equipment will be staged.
If you're circling the lot looking for one of those elusive spots, the city has made arrangements for alternative parking across the street at 25 Aulike Street, signaling an attempt to ease the congestion that such projects can cause. The public is advised that partial closures and traffic reroutes are part of the deal during the survey period, which runs through October 31, unless extended discoveries keep the archeologists busy longer.
The main entrances at Aulike Street and Maluniu Avenue might take turns shutting down temporarily, but the city has pledged to maintain accessibility through the digs. They want to minimize disturbance, so remember to keep an eye on the signs or any new orange cones cropping up. The DDC seems committed to ensuring that traffic continues to flow as unhindered by the project as potentially can be. If you've got any queries or just want to vent, reach out to the DDC; they've promised to listen, with the number (808) 768-8400 put forth for all comments or questions. They're asking for a bit of patience, but hey, that's small change when considering the balance between progress and preservation.
