In November 2022, Nan Inc. began the Dillingham Utility Relocations project for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). Long identified as critical toward completion of the rail project, the nearly $500 million contract includes the relocation of utilities in the Kalihi-Palama area, from the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Laumaka Street to the corner of Dillingham Boulevard and Kaaahi Street. Slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022, it has an expected first-quarter 2026 completion date.

Lori Kahikina, HART chief executive officer and executive director, says that awarding the contract for the utility relocations was a huge accomplishment for HART “as it is the final large contract before we get to the actual guideway and station construction through this corridor.

“It is also worth noting that this bid was lower than our independent cost estimate by approximately 3%. We look forward to working with Nan Inc. on this important project and are committed to its success,” Kahikina says.

Multiple simultaneous construction sites will be engaged around the clock to relocate or replace infrastructure for water, sewer, electricity, fuel, communications and storm drainage, and certain roadway improvements. On the punch list are trenching, jet grouting, wet and dry utilities relocation, traffic signal installation, micro tunneling, drilled shafts, road widening, curb gutter sidewalk installation and pavement restoration.

Previous to the start of the Dillingham work, area businesses and residents were apprised of the utilities’ relocation phase