BH2728-33 Maintenance of Trees and Landscaping at KOA

Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airports Division is requesting bids on maintenance of trees and landscaping at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole under solicitation BH2728-33, with bids due September 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. HST. Bidders must hold a valid Hawaii Specialty Contractor "C-27" (Landscaping Contractor) license and have documented experience maintaining at least 50,000 square feet of landscaped area over at least two consecutive years in Hawaii — these are mandatory qualifications.

The scope covers maintenance of trees and landscaping in areas served by the R-1 reclaimed water system and around the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pump Station. The contractor must perform not less than 50 percent of the total contract cost with its own organization; the remainder may be subcontracted. Pricing is based on unit prices or lump sum amounts as specified in the proposal schedule. Monthly payments are made less 5% retainage; the State may release retainage at contract end upon satisfactory performance and submission of a current tax clearance certificate.

The contract term is one year with potential renewal options subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. The State reserves the right to terminate with cause or due to lack of available funding with at least 30 days' notice. Contractors must pay minimum wages not less than public employees for similar work; the Groundskeeper 1 minimum hourly rate is $26.16. Comprehensive general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation insurance per Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 386 are required. For bids exceeding $25,000, a notarized Certificate for Performance of Services must be submitted to the Department of Transportation Contracts Office before contract entry.

A virtual pre-bid conference is scheduled for August 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. HST; interested bidders must contact State Project Manager Erin Hashimoto no later than three working days prior. Requests for Information and Substitution Requests are due August 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. HST via HIePRO. Contract award will be made within 90 calendar days after bid opening to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.