The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1907-03-08
THE INQUIRY
INTO DAM
An Expert Testifies Who
Kept Watch on Con-
tractors.

| Mr.. Howat proved a pretty good
witness in the investigation of the
Nuuanu dam affair last night. He
stuck to his replies though Chairman
Chiliingworth did his best to say what
he apparently did not wish to repeat
before company. Where Whitehouse
was at fault he was a close observer
and was prompt to call down the con-
tractor but where the Government or
his superiors were at fault the witness
seemed not to believe it was up to him
to interfere. The investigation contin-
ued until after nine p. m. when an ad-
journment was taken until this even
ing at 1880.
It was noticeable that the contractor
and the officials sit far apart in the
meetings.
neer and contracting work was sworn
and told of his experience in his pro-
fession. Had been connected with the
dam since June 21, 1906. Went there
under orders from Mr. Howland. Some
work had been done in clearing when
he first went to work. Had been in
structed by Howland not to give a
written order when I found the work
not being done according to specifica-
tions. This was afterWard repeated
to me by Mr.. Smith. The pipe was
'concreted,' SO I could not see how it
was laid or if there is a joint. Spoke
on different occasions to Whitehouse's
superintendent of his failure to follow
specifications. The violations were al
ways corrected. Did not consider it
was within his province as inspector
to tell the contractor that he must de-
posit the earth from excavations in
any certain locality. He is now TAX
ing dirt from the point to fill in at
the toe Of the dam. The Department
of Public Works has ordered the dirt
to be placed there. The storms are
washing the dirt back into it's former
position. Have made two attempts to
clear Could not estimate expense of
this work. Mr.. Smith makes UP the
payroll, Mr.. Whitehouse merely sup
plies the labor; all the work is now
being done under the supervision of
the Department of Public Works. Had
nothing more than disagreements to
which any inspector would be liable.
c. H. Smith called. Had no rights
to dictate to contractor as to where
he should work unless he should fall
behind. We merely saw that he lived
up to the specifications. Never called
attention of contractor to his fail
ure to provide protection from loss to
property or life, and did not think
it necessary. Do not see that if pre-
caution had been taken the work
would have been further advanced. |
Since 18th of December, there has been |
almost continuous line of freshets |
The first one washed away the under |
pining of the f1ume and washed back |
some of the dirt. Witness explained |
the method of paying Whitehouse for |
his work-materials were purchased /
by him under a contract-we bought |
at market rates, according to the |
agreement, and we got stuck owing to
rise in prices. I wrote letter in Aug
ust telling him I thought the work
should be done by contract. Rowland
replied that it was rough to put it on
him as it would show such an increase
n the cost. Later there was a subse-
1uent agreement.
In answer to a question, witness said
he agreement does not seem to have
been carried out.
To Representative Rice: The kel-
ogg specifications for the tower are
iifferent from those originally made
To Representative Hughes: II the
had been drawn so I
would have controlled the contractor
n every particular l could have fore
ID him to live up in every particular
o them.
The committee adjourned at this
,ofnt to meet this evening at 7:30.