HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Facility Maintenance advises the public that work to improve the city’s storm drain system at various locations throughout the Chinatown and Downtown areas begins Monday, Nov. 14.

Construction work will include demolishing and reconstructing front portions of the catch basin and top slabs at specific locations, installation of Automatic Retractable Screens at storm drain inlets, manhole frame and cover replacement on the southwest/ewa-makai corner of South King and Richards streets, cleaning of existing drain lines and drainage structures, and other improvements, according to a news release.

Work begins Monday and is scheduled for completion on May 10, 2023, weather and other conditions permitting. Roads will remain open to traffic during construction that will take place 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work will begin from the mauka side of Chinatown/Downtown near River St. with construction going on simultaneously in different areas. Affected streets in the months to come include Kukui St., River St., Nuuanu Ave., Fort St., Maunakea St., South Beretania St., Pauahi St., Hotel St., Smith St., Kekaulike St., Bishop St., Alakea St., Bethel St., Richards St., Merchant St., Queen St., Mililani St. and Halekauwila St.

The department advises motorists to use alternate travel routes, allow for extra travel time, and to be cautious when proceeding through construction areas.

The public can contact the Dept. of Facility Maintenance’s Storm Water Quality Division at 808-768-3242, or construction manager, AECOM, at 808-225-2651, with questions or concerns.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.