Editor’s note: Old-timers might still remember the introduction from The Shadow radio program: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” Jerome Freitas, a retired state Department of Transportation worker who is now better known
Editor’s note: Old-timers might still remember the introduction from The Shadow radio program: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” Jerome Freitas, a retired state Department of Transportation worker who is now better known as Da Shadow, since 2004 has been meeting with government representatives about problems he has discovered or that have been reported to him, and reporting the county’s responses.
Historic County Building
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) In the back parking lot between the County Building and the State Building, there is an ADA stall that does not have the amount of the fine posted. Should the fine be posted and, if so, when will this be fixed?
County: (Sept. 20) All ADA stalls on the County half of the parking lot have the appropriate signage with fine amount posted.
Haleko Road, Lihu‘e
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Going down the hill toward King Auto, on the left hand side, there are overgrown trees that need trimming. Can the county trim these trees or have the landowner trim them? They appear to be a potential hazard to motorists.
County: (Sept. 20) Public Works will conduct an inspection and then we will discuss what measures may be needed in the interest of safety.
Inia Street, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Can the county paint a crosswalk across Inia Street leading to K.I.D.S. preschool from the parking lot across the street? Kids are often seen crossing this street and there isn’t a crosswalk nearby.
County: (Sept. 20) This particular location would require a mid-block crosswalk from one private parking lot to another. Generally, for safety reasons, we place crosswalks at intersections. The Engineering Division is evaluating this suggestion and will make a recommendation in the near future as to if and where a crosswalk in this area is warranted.
Kainahola Road, Kapahi
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Past the upper Kapahi Reservoir on the sides of the road, the guardrails are all covered with vegetation. Can the county trim this back so the guardrails can be seen?
County: (Sept. 20) Our roads crew have used herbicide in the area as an interim measure, and will assess results to see if further measures are needed.
Kainahola Road, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Just before the old Poi factory, there is a steep drop-off of about 50 feet along the side of the road and there is lots of vegetation. This seems like a safety hazard. Can you inspect and report if anything should be done to improve safety such as erecting guardrails or reflectors?
County: (Sept. 20) Public Works will conduct an inspection and then we will discuss what measures may be needed in the interest of safety.
Kamole Road, Kealia
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) This road leads into a subdivision and eventually dead ends. At the dead end, the county at one time promised to place guardrails, but today only a rickety fence exists. Will the county place guardrails there?
County: (Sept. 20) The Engineering Division will inspect and evaluate as to the need for a guardrail or another appropriate barrier on this cul-de-sac.
Kapaia Swinging Bridge
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) What is the status of this project?
County: (Sept. 20) The consultant is completing revised drawings to incorporate repairs that would be needed following the flood damage that occurred in March. Unfortunately, FEMA funds can not be used for these repairs. Any necessary storm-related cleanup will be incorporated into our recommendation once the consultant has completed his work.
Kealia Road, Kealia
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) There is a one-lane bridge just past the Post Office on Kealia Road that doesn’t have a weight limit sign on it. Are weight limit signs required for all bridges? If so, will the county put one up here?
County: (Sept. 20) Currently we are not required to post weight limits on all bridges but in 2016 such a requirement will take effect. We are in the process of researching unposted bridges and load-testing to determine the capacities of the various bridges, so that posting can occur prior to the 2014 deadline.
Kipuni Place, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) There is an abandoned lot on Kipuni Place that was recently cleaned up, but the coconut trees need to be trimmed and are leaning over onto the county right of way. Can the county notify the owner to trim the trees?
County: (Sept. 20) The last trimming of the property per the vacant lot ordinance by the owner was on June 24, 2012. This is private property, and an inspection revealed the trees are not leaning onto county right-of-way.
Lihu‘e Civic Center
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Outside of the DMV there are some manhole covers on which the lip is raised and could be a trip hazard. Can anything be done about this?
County: (Sept. 20) The Building Division is evaluating any safety hazard that may exist and will address it appropriately.
Olohena Road, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) At Kapa‘a Middle School there is a dirt parking area on the side of the road across from the school. There is no crosswalk anywhere in the area. Can a crosswalk be placed so that pedestrians can cross Olohena Road safely?
County: (Sept. 20) We will forward this concern to the Department of Education and request that they evaluate the situation. If a crosswalk is desired, the DOE should work with the owner of the property where the parking is taking place, to make a request of the county for a crosswalk. If a crosswalk is desired, it will have to be placed in a manner that conforms to safety principles (e.g. avoiding a mid-block crosswalk) and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Olohena Road, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Between the middle school and the roundabout there is about 100 feet of roadway that needs resurfacing and repainting of the solid white lines. When will this be addressed?
County: (Sept. 20) The road design is being prepared and is expected to be programmed into the next STIP Collector Road Preservation Project, so that we can leverage 80/20 funding opportunities. We hope to address by June 2013.
Olohena Road, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Across from the skate park the grass is overgrown on the sidewalk. Can this be trimmed
County: (Sept. 20) This is state Department of Transportation property.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
