Why are they not burying phone/power lines along Kahekili Highway, like they did along Kalanianaole Highway? It seems to me it wouldn't have cost anything more since the state did not have to buy any rights of way along Kahekili. State would have to share cost
of burying new linesIt's not the state's decision, for one thing.
While the Department of Transportation encourages placing utilities underground, it cannot unilaterally require utility companies to do so, said spokesman Ross Smith.
Without their cooperation, as in the case of Kahekili, the state would have to assume total responsibility for installation and costs, he said. With Kalanianaole, the utilities shared in the $19-$20 million cost of burying the lines.
Also, Smith said, placing lines underground requires a good deal more than simply digging a hole. Plans have to be drawn showing the underground route of the conduit for each of the utilities. New lines have to be installed in the conduits. New connections have to be made so there is no loss of service when the switch is made, and finally, the old lines and poles have to be removed.
"There is cost involved in each step," he said.
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