KAILUA — Officials broke ground yesterday on the final segment of the Kalaheo Avenue sewer project with an assurance from Mayor Mufi Hannemann that the city will be more responsive, but residents still face another year of construction and traffic detours.

The project began in 1999 and was to have lasted three years.

The contractor, Frank Coluccio Construction Co., will install 5,305 linear feet of 48-inch-diameter sewer pipe on Kalaheo Avenue from Dune Circle to Kailua Road using microtunneling technique, which bores a tunnel 25 feet below the surface.

The $30.8 million contract also includes rehabilitating 1,863 feet of a 54-inch sewer main on Kalaheo from Kainui Drive to Mokapu Boulevard, installing 10,100 feet of water line on Kalaheo and resurfacing Kalaheo when the underground work is done.

In 1999 the Kalaheo Avenue Reconstructed Sewer project was to last three years, including a segment from Mokapu Boulevard to the Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant that ran through the 'Aikahi subdivision. The cost in 1999 was $36 million but the final cost is expected to swell to $74 million by the time it is completed in October 2006, the city said earlier this year.

Hannemann acknowledged that the delays frustrated residents, especially when the city wasn't forthcoming with an explanation. He said he would do a better job in maintaining the sewer system and keeping people informed.

"I want to make sure we're accountable, we're transparent and we're always available to answer for any unexpected delays," Hannemann said at the blessing at yesterday's groundbreaking.

Homeowners facing the latest phase of construction say the contractor has prepared them and warned them of possible damage to their property, said resident Cathie Muschany. The project manager distributed fliers, called meetings with neighbors and left a telephone number to call with complaints and suggestions, Muschany said.

"They're doing the best they can," Muschany said, adding that she appreciates their efforts so far to minimize the damage to her property.

For example, when pile-driving equipment was bashing a palm tree, the crew took the time to tie down the fronds, she said. In another instance the crew filled a big sinkhole in front of her driveway with leftover asphalt, Muschany said. "It was very thoughtful," she said.

Residents who edured the last phase of the project remember noise, dust that aggravated asthma, traffic snarls and damage to property.

Terry and Karen Castel said the pounding vibrated throughout their home, cracking a tile block wall that the contractor promised to repair. The noise was so loud, they said, they couldn't hear people when talking on the telephone.

"My concern is there are pipes running underneath the (house) slab," said Terry Castel. "Who knows if they are broken?"

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.