In March of 2014 a historic planning summit was organized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US-ACE) and Hawaii Reserves, Inc. to move the Wailele Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study forward. Flooding in Laie is caused primarily by the overflow of Wailele Stream and its inadequate outfall.
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Laie flooding is due primarily to inadequate capacity at
Wailele outfall at the highway
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During the heaviest rainfall events, the Wailele basin can generate about 5,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), but the outfall capacity of the conduit under the highway is only about 700 CFS, causing water to quickly back up and flow northward through the Polynesian Cultural Center into the community.
In addition, the highway is elevated several feet above Laie town, essentially creating a big dam.
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Wailele Stream during heavy rain event
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US-ACE staff has been working on a final report of the Wailele study, jointly funded by the federal government, city government, and land management company, Hawaii Reserves, Inc.
The next phase of the report is nearing completion and should be finalized within the next several weeks.
At this point, it appears that two good options will be identified in the study to prevent community flooding.
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Site visit by US-ACE staff and others to the Pounder's Beach
drainage outfall
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"We are pleased that initial indications are that both options meet the criteria set by the federal government, including critical cost/benefit ratio requirements," said Jeff Tyau, vice president of operations for HRI.
Once US-ACE has recommend the best solution option, the next steps will include environmental review of the option and securing funding for the proposed project.
For more information about the drainage planning summit and solution efforts, please see our April 10 and October 30, 2014 editions in our Newsletter Archive.
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Representatives from US-ACE, the City, HRI, LCA, BYU-H, PCC,
and drainage planning consultants
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Tyau also pointed out that storm water detention measures recently installed in our community performed well during heavy rain in the last two weeks that caused major flooding and damage on Oahu.
"The detention basins, including the newest ones installed on both sides of McDonald's, did their job and helped protect the community," said Tyau.
He noted that the basins provide a holding area for storm water during heavy rain that drains to the ocean via an outlet, and the basin later dries out. Grass and landscaping were recently installed in the new detention basins.
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| Drainage outlet for water detention basin along Naniloa Loop |
"These preliminary drainage measures help as we unitedly work on the big, long-term solutions with the Army Corps of Engineers," remarked Tyau.
We'll continue to provide updates as this important community effort moves forward.
McDonald's Opening Soon
Crews are working and training 'round the clock' to have the Laie McDonald's ready to open soon. The targeted soft opening date is this Thursday!
The photos below showcase our new McDonald's coming together nicely...
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| The work is almost done on the Laie McDonald's |
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The view towards the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Laie hotel
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The dining area is well lit with natural and interior lighting
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| Exterior finishing touches are being completed |
