Modernizing Waikalani Woodlands: Fire Alarm and Plumbing Upgrades Ensure Safety and Flow - Mililani, HI

Category: Mult-Unit Residential

Overall Area: 510,148 ft²

Services Provided: Fire Alarm Engineering, Plumbing

Completion Date: 2022, 2025

Owner: AOAO Waikalani Woodlands

Architect: Aaron Shimizu Architecture LLC

Project Description

As Waikalani Woodlands in Hawaii faced increasing mandates for fire alarm retrofits, Pragmatic Professional Engineers (Pragmatic PE) was selected to design and implement a new fire alarm system for four 12-story high-rise residential buildings. Following the successful fire alarm project, Pragmatic PE was further contracted to provide plumbing engineering services to address aging drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems.

Scope of Work

For the fire alarm phase, Pragmatic PE designed a comprehensive voice evacuation fire alarm system across all residential units and corridors, incorporating smoke alarm detectors near sleeping areas and heat detectors for elevator security. A fire alarm riser diagram was developed to outline the system’s structure and interconnections, ensuring optimal alerting and safety coverage.

The subsequent plumbing phase focused on re-engineering the aging DWV piping systems. With a focus on code compliance and system longevity, the team sized and selected new backflow preventers and booster pumps to support both domestic and fire flow demands. Electrical engineering services were integrated to support the booster pump installations, ensuring consistent operational efficiency.

Results & Impact

By providing comprehensive fire alarm and plumbing upgrades, Pragmatic PE delivered an integrated life safety and infrastructure solution for Waikalani Woodlands. Residents now benefit from a state-of-the-art fire alarm system that ensures rapid alerting during emergencies, alongside a revitalized plumbing system that enhances water flow reliability and complies with modern standards.