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 Road
Is it possible to put speed bumps on Hanamaulu Road near King K/Peter Rayno? People tend to speed along this road.
Hanamaulu Road is classified as a Collector Road; therefore, state law does not allow this type of traffic calming device. However, this road will be included in an upcoming “Safe Routes to School” project, which will employ many of the devices you see on the Hardy Street project, such as raised medians, narrowing of lanes, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, which will help to improve safety.
Lihue
Ahukini Road
There are large potholes on Ahukini Road near the transfer station. Is this county or state property?
Ahukini Road falls under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transportation. We have made State DOT aware of this concern.
Puhi
Kaneka Street
On Kaneka Street, approaching the Puhi Road intersection, there is no sign that warns motorists of the dedicated turn lanes. Can a sign be placed at this location?
Public Works will investigate this concern and respond accordingly.
Kalepa Road
Are there plans for a second crosswalk on Kalepa Street toward the Sports Authority side?
A new crosswalk was recently placed on Kalepa Street at Ulu Maika Street, near The Home Depot. At this time, there are no plans to create a second sidewalk on Kalepa Street.
How much money does the county give to the Kauai Humane Society?
The county has a contract with Kauai Humane Society for $760,000 as identified approved through the Fiscal Year 2016 annual operating budget. This is unchanged from FY 2015. In addition, the Kauai Humane Society is entitled to dog and cat license revenue collected. For FY 2015 those amounts were $55,729 (dogs), and $18,540 (cats).
Kapaa Baseyard
What will become of the old gas pump facility Kapaa Baseyard?
There are plans to demolish and dispose this pump. A timeline of that work has not yet been determined.
Islandwide
Are there plans to require force homeowners to switch to septic tanks?
This matter would not be determined by the county, but rather the state Department of Health.
Do trailers need to pay a registration fee? If so, how much?
Yes, trailers do pay a registration fee just like passenger vehicles, trucks and motorcycles, and the fee is calculated by weight. The county’s portion of the fee is 3 cents per pound. The state’s portion of the fee starts at 1.75 cents per pound for trailers up to 7,000 pounds, and goes up to a flat rate of $300 for trailers over 10,000 pounds.
What is the law regarding riding in the back of a pickup truck?
Pursuant to Hawaii state law (HRS291-14), passengers who are age 13 or older can sit in the bed of a pickup truck so long as there is no seating available in the cab of the truck, the side racks of the vehicle are securely attached, and the tailgate is securely closed. Exceptions to these rules include transporting a passenger with a life-threatening emergency or if the vehicle is being used in a parade, caravan or other exhibition which are officially authorized and permitted by law. This law does not apply to commercial trucks and vehicles, which are held to other rules and regulations.
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Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow 96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://www.theshadow 96746.tripod.com.
