Question: What is the construction work going on at the corner of University Avenue and Maile Way? Why wasn't it completed before the fall semester started? It is making a real mess of traffic into Manoa Valley. It would have been a way smaller mess if done during the summer when the student count at the University of Hawaii was far smaller.

Answer: Okada Trucking Co. is reconstructing a failing retaining wall that supports the sidewalk and roadway.

It was given the go-ahead to begin the $745,000 city project on July 14, but because of “;some contract language clarification,”; the work did not start right away, said Eugene Lee, director of the city Department of Design and Construction.

The contract specifies a 150-calendar-day schedule and it's up to the contractor to finish within that time frame, he said.

The contract completion date is targeted for Dec. 10, subject to extension for unforeseen conditions and/or weather delays.

Lee explained that access through Mid-Pacific Institute's baseball field, below the retaining wall, was needed for heavy equipment to install the foundation of the new wall.

After discussions with Mid-Pacific, a right-of-entry was obtained, with a specific window to start and complete the work established so as to not interfere with the school's baseball season, he said.

The city then set the July 14 “;Notice To Proceed”; date for the contractor in order to comply with the time restriction.

Lee said that any time work is done on or around a road, “;the impacts to traffic are always a concern.”;

“;While we do our best to mitigate these, there are times when shutting down parts of the road is unavoidable,”; he said. “;In these situations, we ask for the public's patience and understanding.”;

In addition to reconstructing the retaining wall, the project involves replacing affected sidewalks, curbs, gutters and asphalt pavement; constructing new wheelchair ramps; installing new crosswalks; and replacing street markings, signs and traffic signals.

Mahalo and Auwe

Mahalo to a kind security guard. While at Ala Moana Center recently, near Foodland, I somehow punctured my right hand. The security guard took the time to stop the bleeding and bandage the wound. I did not get his name, but I called his office to report his concern and kindness. However, during the confusion, someone helped themselves to my Navy League blue zipper folder, which contained no valuables except to me - snapshots and personal letters. I thought we surely practiced the Aloha Spirit in Honolulu, but, auwe, I found some of us still think that “;aloha”; is a term we teach the tourists to say. Two meanings of the aloha culture in the same area, at the same time. - Keokolo Lopaka

Mahalo

To the staff of Kamiloiki Elementary School and bystanders who came to my aid when I had a bike accident on Hawaii Kai Drive around 8 a.m. Sept. 16. I appreciate getting help so quickly. Thanks to them and the great Emergency Medical Services staff from the Wailupe Fire Station, I am recovering from my injuries. - A Grateful Bicyclist