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 known as
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 known as Da Shadow, has been meeting with government representatives about problems he has discovered or that have been reported to him, and reporting the county’s responses.
Islandwide
What happened to Bill 2573 or the Clean Air Bill, related to chimney smoke?
Bill 2573, Draft 2, was deferred at the March 4 Public Safety Committee Meeting at the request of Committee Chair Gary Hooser, who is also the introducer of the bill. The bill was not given a date specific deferral as Hooser requested more time to work on the bill with the various stakeholders on this issue and reschedule it at a future committee meeting once a viable community-based solution can be worked out. At this time, Hooser is continuing to research the issue and working with impacted residents on potential solutions.
What is the status of Bill 2491, related to pesticide disclosure?
On Aug. 25, 2014, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry M. Kurren entered a judgment declaring Ordinance No. 960 invalid and enjoining the county from enforcing the ordinance. The county is currently appealing the decision in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, represented by Special Counsel David J. Minkin of the law firm McCorriston Miller Mukai Mackinnon LLP.
What entry-level positions are currently available in Public Works and Parks Department?
All county job opportunities are posted on the Human Resources website, www.kauai.gov/HumanResources. For assistance call 241-4956.
Lihue
What is the plan for the old Big Save at the Lihue Civic Center?
The county is exploring the opportunity to lease the old Big Save space. A timeline of when this might occur is not yet known, but we are actively working toward this goal.
What is the update on the Kauai Technology Center? How much will it cost and how will it be funded?
The Kauai Technology Center is estimated to be a $20.5 million project (which includes design, construction and a two-year operational cost). The plans calls for 40 percent private funding, 33 percent government funding, 25 percent from major donors and 2 percent from supporters. A consultant was hired by the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development and the Kauai Economic Development Board in 2011 to assist with fundraising for this project. The ideal of timeline of construction would be fall 2017.
There is a stop sign down on Kikowaena, at the Leileiona intersection. Please replace.
Kikowaena is a private roadway. As such, the county is unable to replace this stop sign.
Puhi
What is the update on the “No Dogs” sign at this park?
We are currently procuring permanent signage. In the meantime, we will be placing temporary signs at this location.
Wailua
There is a storage shed next to the Wailua Houselots tennis courts that is in disrepair. Is this a county-owned facility?
The Parks Department is not aware of any such facility, as described. We will follow-up to determine the proper owner.
At Wailua Houselots park, the handicap stalls need repainting and the basketball netting needs to be replaced. Can this be addressed?
Yes, the Department of Parks and Recreation will create a work order to conduct this work.
Kapaa
There was a gentleman passing out commercial brochures along Ke Ala Hele Makalae. Is it permissible to solicit in this area?
This activity is not allowed at any of our facilities without the permission of the Director of Parks and Recreation.
•••
Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
