City fires contractor for $54M traffic center citing months of issues, delays

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - After months of delays and construction problems, city officials announced on Monday that they have fired the contractor for the $54 million Joint Traffic Management Center.

City officials say Watts Constructors failed to fixed numerous issues with the facility at Alapai and King Streets, including leaking water and flooring problems.

Officials warned the group back in February when problems started to stack up.

The city's default notice identifies these defaults, among others, under the construction contract:

► Watts incorrectly installed the roofing, which may have contributed to water infiltration into the traffic management center.

► Watts did not install the weather resistant barrier ("WRB") behind the exterior metal panels and failed to water test the WRB, which may have contributed to water infiltration into the JTMC.

► Watts incorrectly installed the lobby glass walls (the "curtain wall") assembly and the parapet walls.

► Watts failed to have certified welders perform the structural welds for the curtain wall.

► Watts failed to install access flooring in accordance with the construction specifications, shop drawings, and manufacturer's installation procedures, thus compromising the structural integrity of the flooring.

► Watts failed to construct the fire escape stairways in accordance with construction

The city says it gave Watts more than 110 work correction reports — about two-thirds are still uncorrected. City officials say they have secured the site, and workers who need to pick up their tools must make an appointment.

Officials with Watts Constructors have not yet responded to requests for comment.

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