Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1916-11-10
TUNNEL THROUGH
EOOLAU RANGE IS
ARMY PROPOSAL
Governor Tells of important
Project in Letter Written to
Chamber of Commerce
FOR MILITARY AND
COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
Pinkham Opposes Pail Tram
way and Tells Possible Cut
to WindWard Oahu

Information that the Hawaiian De-
partment has under consideration the
boring of a tunnel through the Koolau
range at the head OF Kallhi valley.
capable OF receiving the military and
given in a letter from Governor Pink
ham 10 the Chamber OF Commerce
under date OF November 4.
The letter deals with the proposal
OF the Lord.Young Engineering Com
pany to establish an aerial tram sys-
tenn from the Pail to the windward
Hside Of Oahu and voices In no un-
rtain tones protest against the
plan. an giving the letter to the Star
Bulletia today, Governor Pinkham
made The following statement.
Wants Matter Public
"In reflecting upon the proposed
aerial cable way from the Pail to
the Kaaeohe siGe, have come to the
opinion that my letter OF November 4
to the chamber of commerce had bet
ter be made public prematurely so
that people may have data on which
TO make up their minds so as to know
what is to the advantage of the COM
munity and the United States army" "
Army officers stated today that as
far as they are aware the Kalihi val
ley plan is not very recent from the
standpoint OF tie Hawaiian Depart
ment.
IL was pointed out. however, by per-
sons who have studied the question
closely that such a tunnel as men
toned by the governor will of neces-
sity come before many years, and that
lit will probably be Of great value as
a water producer as well as furnishing
a short cut to the other side of the
island. II is entirely feasible, accord
ing to engineers, as the cliffs at sever
al points are narrow in the extreme
and the boring Of a tunnel would be
comparatively short.
Writes to Chamber
The letter which Governor Pinkham
has filed with the chamber of COM
merce follows in full:
November 4, 1916.
Chamber of Commerce OF Honolulu,
Honolulu, I. II.
Gentlemen: understand you are
to consider the proposed aerial cable
carrier over the Pail. intended TO
transport fresh pines and other freight
TO the TOP of the Pail. and freight vice
versa from and to the windward side
of Oahu. The freight would have to
ASS up and down Nuuanu avenue.
;. .affie for 1853 Cars
'It Is estimated there are more
pines grown on the windward side
tributary to proposed carrier than at
wahiawa. The greatest movement OF
mines In one day from Wahiawa over
the Oahu Railway WAS 20l0 tons.
Twelve tons is the average capacity
rer car, hence that one days traffic
required 16S cars. Similar traffic
would number, in fiveton motor
trucks, 402 loads into Honolulu from
the Pan. and 402 empties or part loads
10 the Pail. Side tracks covering
quite a number Of acres would be
necessary, besides extensive sheds.
Would Destroy Nuuanu
~Nuuanu avenue would be prohibi-
tiyely dangerous, and its value for
residence and scenic attraction Ge-
strovei. as well as the Pail lose its
character.
1T was my privilege TO give the
territorial forester some Of these facts
after he had hastily failed to appre-
ciate the obstacles. ! also informed
Mr.. f. j. Lord what my attitude as
governor would be.
..The Hawaiian Department has un-
der consideration the advisability OF
a tunnel through the Koolau noun
tains at the head Of Kalihi valley for
military purposes. and also civil trans
portation. II - not impossible that
such a tunnel might be a source OF
water supply for Honolulu. The plans,
WAYS and means will be considered at
the earliest possible date.
Respectfully,
"LUCIUS z PlNkHAM,
-.