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.
Kapaa
Why aren’t the U.S. and Hawaii state flags posted at the Kapaa police substation? Can flags be posted here?
The building where the Kapaa substation is currently located is owned by the Hawaii Department of Defense; Kauai Police Department is a tenant. We will forward this request to DOD for its consideration.
What is the status of the proposed police substation off Kawaihau Road, near Mahelona Hospital?
KPD continues to pursue the possibility of having a substation at this location. However, a timeline has not yet been established.
The old Kapaa substation was purchased during the last county auction. When will it be removed from the Kapaa Beach Park parking lot?
This building was sold at the last county auction so it is no longer owned by the county. It is our understanding that the new owner is in the process of acquiring the necessary permits to have the building transported to its new location.
Wailua
People are speeding on Kuhio Highway near the Wailua Golf Course. Can KPD have increased enforcement in this area?
Yes, the Wailua corridor is an area where officers conduct periodic traffic enforcement and will continue to do so.
Does KPD have any plans to obtain motorbikes for their fleet?
KPD has looked into it and has no plans to utilize motorbikes in its fleet.
Islandwide
What is the status of the shuttles? (multi-modal transportation)
Shuttle concepts were presented at a series of community open houses in November. There was also an online survey which ran through Jan. 10 to give the public an opportunity to provide feedback.
We are now in the process of fine-tuning the concepts based on input received, and we are working on more detailed financial and operations plans. Concept refinements along with operations and financial considerations will be presented for further community input before the plan is finalized later this year.
What is the update on the county auditor position?
The council is currently in the process of actively recruiting to fill the county auditor vacancy.
Are mopeds required to have yearly safety checks? Do they need to be insured? Are operators required to use a safety helmet?
Yearly safety checks are not required for mopeds. Insurance is not required for personal use but it is required for commercial use (moped rentals). Moped operators under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet; no person shall operate a moped under the age of 15.
For more information on laws regarding moped use, please refer to Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 291C sections 195 and 196.
Puhi
What is the timeline of Puhi Road repairs?
A portion of Puhi Road, from Kaneka Street to Hanalima Street, was repaved in November as part of the Islandwide Resurfacing Project. The upcoming Puhi Road Rehabilitation Project will span from Kaumualii Highway to Kaneka Street. This portion of the roadway will be completely reconstructed using Portland Cement Concrete to better support traffic from heavy trucks.
Other improvements will include the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes as well as drainage improvements. This year-long project is scheduled to start in February.
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Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
