(BIVN) – The massive Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway widening project is a tumult of heavy machinery and construction personnel at the busy intersection of Palani Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu.

Phase One of this Hawaii DOT road work, being done by Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, commenced in January 2006, and should be completed in December.

The project has been marked by delays and confusion, and has become a topic for debate in this political season.

Phase Two of the project is still in the midst of a convoluted bid process and has yet to be awarded. The three respondents are Hawaiian Dredging, Goodfellow Bros., and Kiewit Pacific. A “best and final offer” process should be completed by November 2008.