Rod Anderson, foreman for Prometheus Construction, used a rock drill to reduce a boulder's mass in Nanakuli on Wednesday. About 20 to 25 rocks on state land above Akowai Road were demolished before work was completed yesterday.
Work to remove rocks
above Nanakuli finishes
Contractors completed breaking down rocks yesterday that posed a threat to homes in Nanakuli.
For a week, contractors used hydraulic blasters and jackhammers to demolish about 20 to 25 rocks -- some 2 feet to 4 feet in diameter -- on state land above Akowai Road, where a 10-ton boulder slid on May 13 and came to rest against Unit M in a cluster of homes.
Smaller pieces of the rocks were used to stabilize the slope while others were stockpiled at a different location on the property.
Broken pieces of the boulder were also stockpiled elsewhere. Workers drilled holes in the boulder and poured in chemical expanders to break it apart.
A temporary catchment fence was installed to protect homes while contractors worked on the slope.
The cost to demolish and remove hazardous rocks as well as hire security guards is estimated at $68,525.
Inspectors from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and contractor Earth Tech Inc. visited the site yesterday.
Juan and Donna Navarro, who live in Unit M, as well as a family who lives next to them, were told the work was completed, said department spokeswoman Deborah Ward.
