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.
Waipouli Road
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Are there any plans to repave and deal with the sharp edges on this road?
County: (Sept. 20) Public Works will conduct an inspection and then we will discuss what measures may be needed in the interest of safety.
Public Works Department
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) What is the job description of the Environmental Services Officer for the Department of Public Works?
County: (Sept. 20) This position provides oversight and coordination for the Divisions of Solid Waste and Wastewater in the Department of Public Works. In addition to the services provided by Solid Waste as outlined above, the Wastewater Division is charged with protecting public health, safety, and the environment through the efficient operation and maintenance of county wastewater systems.
Kapa‘a New Town Park
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) When will the boulders blocking the driveway be removed and stop signs placed so the driveway can once again be used?
County: (Oct. 4) Public Works will be placing a stop sign at the end of the driveway at Olohena Road. The driveway will be utilized as a one-way exit from the parking lot to Olohena. The boulders will be removed once the appropriate signage and striping is in place. A timeline is pending from Public Works for this project.
Hanama‘ulu Pavilion
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) The old Hanama‘ulu beach park pavilion remains unusable. What are the plans for this structure? Can it be rehabilitated and re-used as a second pavilion in that park?
County: (Oct. 4) Parks had planned to replace the existing pavilion with a new structure. However, due to its location within the state Land Use Conservation District and the related extensive permitting process, Parks has instead recently decided to pursue rehabilitation of the existing pavilion, involving a less complex permitting process. Thus, Parks is anticipating submitting permit applications for this rehabilitation within the current fiscal year. Parks will also request construction funding within the 2013-14 budget request.
Kamalu Road, Wailua
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) Just past Wailua Homesteads Park, there are steep drop-offs on both sides of the road. This appears to be a serious safety hazard. Temporary barriers were placed at one point. What is the permanent solution?
County: (Oct. 4) This project involves extensive work on the culvert, which runs under the roadway, in order to deal with flooding issues. Guardrails will be installed once the work is complete. In the meantime, temporary barriers will remain in place.
Lihu‘e Post Office
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) The tree on the Lihu‘e Post Office lawn is creating damage to the adjacent roadway. The road appears to be unsafe. When will this situation be resolved?
County: (Oct. 4) The county has been in discussions with the U.S. Postal Service since May 2011 regarding the damage to Kele Street that is attributed to the tree in question. It is the County’s position that USPS must take some action to mitigate the damage being done to the roadway. We look forward to working with USPS to resolve this issue in the near future.
Public Works Department
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) What is the job description of the Principal Project Manager of the Public Works Roads Division?
County: (Oct. 4) The Principal Project Manager coordinates, manages, inspects and tracks multiple roads projects, including capital improvement projects, maintenance projects, and renovation projects. Currently, he’s also in charge of the island-wide road resurfacing project and assists with other related duties as requested by the Chief of the Roads Division.
Pelehu Road, Kapahi
Da Shadow: (Sept. 20) A hedge next to 4754A Pelehu Road (the house by the yellow pole) is obstructing motorists view and causing a potential safety hazard. Can you inspect and have the hedge trimmed if necessary?
County: (Oct. 4) The property owner has trimmed the hedge so that it no longer poses a safety hazard.
New equipment
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) How much will the new bucket trucks cost? How many are being purchased? With this new equipment, will the county do its own coconut tree trimming, or will it continue to outsource that work?
County: (Nov. 1) The cost of the truck is $285,000 and we will purchase one bucket truck. Parks will continue to outsource the coconut tree contract since it is currently allowed by our union contract.
New equipment
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) Now that your new stump grinder is in use, I’m curious how Parks decides to grind a stump or not. What are your priorities for grinding the stumps in your various facilities?
County: (Nov. 1) The stump grinder is new equipment available to all park caretakers. It will be the practice that when a tree is cut down the grinder will be used to completely take out the remnants of the tree.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
