Nanakuli rock fell
from state landThe 10-ton boulder and
others posing a risk from
state land will be removed
The 10-ton boulder that slid down a hillside and almost hit a Nanakuli home last week came from state-owned land, according to a news release.
State workers will return to the Akowai Road property today to get rid of the boulder and figure out ways to stop any future rockfalls.
Last Thursday's boulder incident prompted police and fire crews to call for the evacuation of 39 residents who live on the Akowai Road property, even though the boulder did not cause any damage after sliding about 36 feet down a hillside and coming to rest behind one of the units.
"It sounds like they're doing something, which is wonderful," said property owner and California resident Donald S. Redington yesterday. "It's a big step to protecting the property and the people who live there which is what we're all concerned about ... we don't want any injuries."
Redington said all the tenants have returned home except for the couple who live in unit M, the home that the Volkswagen Beetle-sized rock nearly hit.
The couple, Donna and John Navarro, are currently living at one of Redington's other properties.
"We have an apartment in the downtown area so they're staying there on a temporary basis," he said. "Overall ... everyone who lives here understands that this is somewhat beyond our control.
"I'm just happy that the state is helping us."
Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said in a release yesterday that they have retained consultants Earth Tech Inc. and Royal Contracting Co. to "remove the boulder and other potentially hazardous ones remaining on state land."
According to a state geologist's assessment Friday, a "tabular boulder," measuring approximately 5 feet by 6 feet by 8 feet, slid about 36 feet down a 30-degree slope and came to rest on edge against the back of the house.
Last week, DLNR officials determined that another, smaller boulder which almost hit a woman and smashed into a Nuuanu home on May 10 came from private property. In that case state officials said it is up to the landowners to take necessary actions.