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.
Po‘ipu Beach Park
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) The restrooms have been under repair for sometime. What is the timeline for completion of this project?
County: (Nov. 1) Due to the nature of the repair, new plans needed to be drawn. The design is in process and once complete, we will be able to outsource the work. We estimate that it will take 5-9 months to complete the work. Parks is targeting April 2013 to re-open the facility.
Portable stage
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) This piece of equipment has rust on the bottom. Can Parks insure that it is properly cared for so that it does not rot prematurely?
County: (Nov. 1) The mobile stage goes into the shop for a complete service and safety check every year for an entire month. The Public Works Vehicle Shop is responsible for the service and maintenance of this stage.
Wailua Beach
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) This beach used to have a lifeguard stand. When a county beach park does not have a lifeguard stand, should there be signs posted warning that there is no lifeguard present?
County: (Nov. 1) Parks, with the assistance of the Ocean Safety Bureau of the Kaua‘i Fire Department, is researching this question and will report back with the answer as soon as possible.
Kauwila Street, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) Mahalo for having the evergeen tree near the Hawaiian Church trimmed. The pedestrian crossing sign is still down and needs to be reinstalled. When will this be complete?
County: (Nov. 1) Public Works is investigating and will report back as soon as possible.
Kapana Road, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) The solid yellow line needs repainting, past the triangle park going down the hill toward Keapana Swinging Bridge. When will this be addressed?
County: (Nov. 1) Public Works is looking at this to verify need for restriping and to report timeframe for completion if they determine it is.
Puhi Road
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) When will this road be repaved from Kaumuali‘i Highway to the Puhi Bypass Road?
County: (Nov. 1) This project is presently in design and cut into 2 phases: the first section from Kaumuali‘i to Kaneka Street and the second from Kaneka Street to Hulemalu Road. This project will be similar to what is going on at Kapule
Safeway store, Waipouli
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) Mahalo for working with Safeway to address the vegetation along the building and the canal. There are hand-held shopping baskets that have been tossed into the canal.
County: (Nov. 1) This complaint should be directed to Safeway, as they are the owners of the bins in question.
Wailua Golf Course
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) The temporary building that was used for maintenance is still on the property. What is the plan for use of this building?
County: (Nov. 1) Parks is looking into the feasibility of having the structure dismantled, relocated, and re-assembled as two separate structures for storage of equipment. We are working with contractors to determine the cost and feasibility of its relocation.
‘Ulu Street, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) The crosswalk is faded near the triangle and there is no pedestrian sign posted. When will this be addressed?
County: (Nov. 1) Public Works is investigating and will report back as soon as possible.
Kapa‘a Skate Park
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) Is there an age limit for skating in this facility? Does a minor need to be accompanied by an adult? Are skaters required to wear helmets? What are the rules governing this facility?
County: (Nov. 1) There are no age restriction for the use of this facility. When the park was constructed it was the expectation that the users would police themselves and use the appropriate protective equipment.
Haleilio Road, Wailua
Da Shadow: (Oct. 17) The centerline is faded going up toward the Houselots. When will it be repainted?
County: (Nov. 1) Public Works is looking at this to verify need for restriping and to report timeframe for completion if they determine it is.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
