08/26/2011
HONOLULU— As part of fulfilling a 2004, 50-year privatization contract with the U.S. Army, Aqua Engineers is upgrading sewer pipeline and transmission lines, and building a pumping station on Schofield Barracks.  A blessing and groundbreaking was held at the Schofield Barracks Wastewater Treatment Plant on Wheeler Army Air Field on Friday, August 19.

The project includes upgrading sewer pipeline—which will be the main wastewater conveyance for Schofield Barracks to the treatment plant south of Wheeler Army Airfield (WAAF), constructing transmission main, a booster pump station, and 1 million gallon storage tank.

The project employs more than half a dozen firms from Hawaii and creates up to 50 construction-related positions while replacing aging infrastructure.  In excess of $25 million is being spent on the initial phase of the project, helping stimulate Hawaii’s economy.  

 

Above Photo L to R

Ian Kagimoto, President and Chairman of the Board and founder, Aqua Engineers
Kenneth Amado, Aqua Engineers
David Paul, Army Operations Group Manager, Aqua Engineers
Kahu “Nettie” Tiffany
Daniel Goodfellow, Vice President Goodfellow Bros., Inc.

Lyman Road Blessing and Groundbreaking: L to R

Kevin Harvey, Vice President Harvey Brothers, LLC
Trey Maddox, Engineer, Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison-HI
Alan Goo, Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison-HI
Walter Kaneakua, Executive Assistant for Military Affairs, Office of Senator Dan Inouye
Ian Kagimoto, President and Chairman of the Board and founder, Aqua Engineers
David Paul, Army Operations Group Manager, Aqua Engineers
Daniel Goodfellow, Vice President Goodfellow Bros., Inc.

 

Walter Kaneakua, Executive Assistant for Military Affairs, Office of Senator Dan Inouye, commended the project for the “local talent and brilliance that it is bringing to this industry that can compete while preserving the culture as well as water preservation.”

Daphne Tong-Pave, Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Daniel Akaka said, “The project is crucial to the U.S. Army Garrison’s Grow-the-Army mission and other future projects by providing much needed system capacity.” 
The project increases capacity for U.S. Army housing projects.  It also contributes to “green” and sustainability initiatives, protecting the environment by replacing the aging collection system, while providing for future growth.

The high quality, re-usable Schofield Barracks Wastewater Treatment Plant R-1 effluent will be available for future irrigation purposes on the Leilehua Golf Course, athletic fields, parade grounds and parks—preserving valuable potable water sources. 

 “Water reclamation and re-use is critical to the inhabitance of the Island of Oahu over the next 30 to 40 years,” said William Aila, Jr., Chairperson, Department of Land and Natural Resources.  “We are meeting this challenge with projects like this one today with Aqua Engineers and the military.  By saving and making precious use of our potable water, we are servicing generations to come.  My grandchildren will thank you one day.”

Designed for a 50-year life, the project uses cost-effective, high quality, innovative products. 

Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Works, Alan Goo, said, “The 30,000 feet of lineal sewer pipeline and 16,000 lineal feet of R-1 transmission main are the start of a 50-year sustainability plan, saving potable water and creating sustainability for the A’ina.”

“When this project started eight years ago, a decision was made to go with the best available technology like the MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) process that is used to create drinking water on Kauai,” said President and CEO, and one of the founders of Aqua Engineers, Ian Kagimoto. 

“Aqua Engineers is committed to working with the Army to conserve our drinking water by recycling alternative water resources,” said Senior Vice President, Hugh Strom.  “Our goal is to decrease pollution and contribute to sustainability goals, while helping the Army meet its goals.” 

Aqua Engineers owns, operates, and is responsible for upgrading the Schofield Barracks wastewater system as part of the 2004, 50-year privatization contract with the U.S. Army.  Aqua upgraded the Schofield Barracks Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2006, turning it into the largest privately owned R-1 facility in Hawaii, producing premium recycled water for irrigation.  

Other contractors on the job include Hawaii-based: Goodfellow Bros, Inc., URS Corp, Harvey Brothers, Austin Tsutsumi and Associates. 

The Schofield Barracks Wastewater Treatment Plant will continue to operate while under construction.
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