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.
Hanamaulu
Beach Park
Shadow: What is the plan for the old pavilion?
County: Parks completed a demolition permit application, and a Special Management Area permit application, which has been submitted for processing on Feb. 25. Action/approval/clearance of the SMA Permit by Planing is required for completion of the CDUA Permit to DLNR.
Finance
Shadow: How much money does the county currently receive from the TAT?
County: The TAT amount that the County receives was “capped” by the Legislature in 2011. Last year, the County received $13.485 million in TAT. This is the largest amount we are entitled to receive under the cap.
Shadow: How much money was spent on the study/design of the chill facility at the old Big Save?
County: Specific to the Multi-Species Processing facility, a feasibility study was conducted in 2012 for $20,000, and several locations were being considered at the time, but Big Save was not one of them. There are currently no plans to locate such a facility in the former Big Save Lihue space.
Attorney
Shadow: How much money did the county pay in claims in FY 2013?
County: The total amount was $41,018.45 for FY13.
Shadow: What is the status of Bynum’s lawsuit against the county? How much of the county’s money was paid in attorney fees?
County: The County’s excess insurance carrier is assisting with details in finalizing resolution of the case.
The total amount paid was $502,676.45.
Shadow: How much has the county paid relating to the employee complaint filed against the county auditor?
County: There have been no expenses to date.
Shadow: How much money did the County Attorney’s Office spend on special counsel in FY 2013?
County: The total amount paid in FY13 was $1,016,015.
Kapaa New Town Park
Shadow: There is a damaged fence at the Little League field. What is the update on fence replacement?
County: Parks did previously complete repairs to this fence. We will update and re-check fencing and submit subsequent work orders to Public Works for any outstanding work which may be needed.
Shadow: The lights stay on all night at times. Is it on a timer? If so, what time is it set to be turned off?
County: Yes, the subject lights are equipped with a timer. Parks staff will re-check/reset the subject timers, which are typically set to turn off these lights at 10 p.m.
Shadow: Some of the trash containers don’t have a bottom. This is a problem when there isn’t a liner. Will they be replaced?
County: Parks has submitted a work order to replace old cans at Kappa New Town Park which have damaged bottoms. These trash cans will be replaced within the next two weeks.
Kapaa Swimming Pool
Shadow: When will signage be placed to show the new name of Kapaa Swimming Pool? (Louis Gonsalves?)
County: Parks replaced this sign prior to the re-opening of the pool after its recent renovation.
Kelia Beach
Shadow: Status check on additional Porta Potties for south end of Kelia Beach. When will they be placed?
County: Bids were received and opened for a new contract on Feb. 21. This contract has been awarded and is in the process of being executed.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
