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.
Wiliko Park, Hanama‘ulu
Da Shadow: There is no playground equipment at this park. Are there plans to install any?
County: Parks does not currently have funding for playground installation at Wiliko Park.
The department will assess park priorities and recommendations of our Park’s Master Plan Update being completed shortly for future funding of improvements to Wiliko Park.
Anne Knudsen Park, Koloa
Da Shadow: There is a wooden pedestrian bridge next to the tennis courts. The bridge is in disrepair and has been marked “closed” for quite some time. When will it be repaired?
County: The wooden bridge is closed for pedestrian safety reasons until the bridge can be replaced.
Funding for the replacement walkway has been included in the bridge repair for FY 2013-14.
Personnel/HR Deparment
Da Shadow: How many vacant positions are there currently in Public Works, and what is being done to fill them?
County: Currently there are 25 vacancies within the Department of Public Works: Five positions are project dollar-funded and filled as needed, five positions are in the Building Revolving fund and filled as needed, eight positions are on hold pending reorganization review with three having recruitment open in December, one position will be recruited for Dec. 5, 2012, one position will have recruitment open in January, one position is county dollar-funded, two positions are scheduled for testing December 19, 2012, two positions recruitment has closed and applications are being reviewed.
Personnel/HR Deparment
Da Shadow: How many vacant positions are there currently in Parks, and what is being done to fill them?
County: Currently there are 16 vacancies in the Parks and Recreation department: Four are seasonal/summer positions, five positions are in the interview and selection process, one position will be filled in December pending pre-employment physical results, one position will open for recruitment on Dec. 6, five positions are being reviewed for currency and proper classification.
Public Works
Da Shadow: Public Works recently decided not to continue to replace safety mirrors that were placed for better driver visibility, because of vandalism and repeated breakage. What is the cost of a safety mirror, including installation?
County: The reason for not replacing the mirrors is not cost, it is because they don’t conform to federal transportation safety standards.
Public Works is researching various engineering options to dealing with these areas of limited visibility. Currently, we are addressing each area individually.
Currently, we are working on the Olohena Road intersection above the Kapa‘a Middle School.
We have installed signage and lowered speed in the curve in another location.
Historic County Building, Lihu‘e
Da Shadow: On the driveway that runs in front of the Historic County Building, there is a bump in the road in front of the County Annex building which could cause vehicular damage. Can you address this?
County: This area was inspected by Public Works personnel but no safety hazard was observed.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
