CAFR 2014 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Construction --- The outlook for the construction industry based on building permits seems to be improving despite a few challenges that remain in the areas of the rising cost of materials and the workforce availability. According to the Economic Forecast by First Hawaiian Bank, private building permits are up to about $60 million per month and single-family quarterly building permits have increased from $10-$13 million per month in 2011 to $20 million per month earlier this year. Several large construction projects are on the horizon for each side of the island. The west side of the island is experiencing increased activity in residential construction with several projects moving forward due to the resolution of issues surrounding the infrastructure at Hokulia. Construction also continued with the Hawaii Community College's Palama Nui campus and several substantial highway projects, which include includes the Hawaii Community College and the widening of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway ($75 million) and completion of Phase III of the Saddle Road ($32 million). A large portion of the east side construction activity focuses on the Hilo harbor where construction has begun on the new inter -island cargo facility and another $47 million is anticipated to be spent on Phase II and III, which does not include the $5 million to be spent on demolition of part of the Pier I to allow larger ships access to the port. Scientific Research and Development — Due largely to its unique geographic characteristics which has attracted scientists in fields of astronomy, meteorology, volcanology, and agriculture/aquaculture, the County has benefited economically by the significant investments made in scientific research. Astronomy continues to be a major factor in the success of the County's economy with an estimated nearly 500 new jobs opening up through 2023 to meet the needs of the current observatories and the creation of new jobs with the development of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) by the TMT Observatory Corporation. On October 7, 2014, the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony for the TMT was held. It is anticipated that the construction and equipment costs will approximate $1.2 billion and once it becomes operational in 2021, the TMT will have an annual operational budget of $27 million Major Initiatives For the Year During the year, the County focused on construction projects relating to housing, sanitation and public safety, and other issues affecting the quality of life in the County. Public Safety — The Police Department conducted various recruitments, resulting in the hiring of 30 police recruits, eight police radio dispatchers, five inter -governmental movements, three school crossing guards, one custodian, one clerk and one secretary. Internally, there were 33 temporary promotions to police officer III, five promotions to police sergeant, four promotions to detective, and four promotions to police lieutenant. The Accreditation Section assisted in raising the bar on professionalism within the Police -3-