Hawaii Real Estate – Rockfall Hazards on Oahu Identified

The City and County of Honolulu has released a report identifying sites across the island of Oahu which may pose rockfall hazards to city properties. The city then notified approximately 1,000 private property owners in writing that their land is at high risk of rockfall. Private property owners would be responsible to deal with potential hazards on their land. Chris Takashige, director of the Department of Design and Construction, stated in the letter, “This means that your property may present a potential rockfall hazard to a nearby city street, sidewalk or facility and to users of such facilities.” The letter suggested the property owners consult with an engineer or attorney to investigate and mitigate risks.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell stated, “It is not a comprehensive study of every rockfall hazard on the island. We want the general public to know that they can go to the website or the municipal reference library to look at a copy of the report, and then determine whether they want to talk to the upland owner about taking potential mitigation action or they themselves taking action. People who have been notified by the city now proceed at their own risk,” Caldwell said. “There is potential liability, obviously, if they have been told that there is a potential hazard. Just like the city has done on property we own and control, we hope those on private property, once they get this report, will take action. They get the information. It’s up to them to decide whether they want to act.”

The public may find this report online by visiting hono­lulu.gov and clicking “Rockfall Hazard Report”. The public may also go to the Municipal Reference and Records Center and request a printed copy.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-22-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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