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.
Anini
Anini Park
At the park, there is a picnic table with bench seating and one of the benches is not nailed down, so it pops up when someone sits on it. There is also a crack in the concrete foundation near the bench. Can these issues be addressed?
Yes, the Parks staff will assess these issues and make the necessary repairs.
Hanalei
Hanalei Beach
The parking lots have potholes; will this be addressed?
In March, the Parks staff repaired all the beach parking areas in Hanalei to address the potholes.
Kapaa
Bridges
What is the status of repairs to the Opaekaa, Kapahi and Puuopae bridges?
Kapahi Bridge: The construction contract has been awarded to Drayko Construction to replace Kapahi Bridge. Work will begin next month and the bridge will remain closed during construction, which is scheduled to be complete in the spring of next year. The Federal Highway Administration is providing 80 percent of the funding for this project; the remaining 20 percent is funded through the County of Kauai’s highway and bond funds.
Puuopae Bridge: This project is scheduled to go out to construction bid in the fall of this year.
Opaekaa Bridge: Plans, specifications and estimates are being finalized. Federal funding for this project is programmed for Fiscal Year 2018 and bids will go out in the fall of next year.
Kealia
Kealia Road
The signs on this road, including the tsunami evacuation sign, are covered with overgrown grass. There is also a rock wall along the shoulder of the roadway that is covered with vines, etc. Is it the county’s responsibility to maintain this area? If not, who or what agency should be responsible?
The Public Works Roads Division is in receipt of this concern and will address any overgrown grass within the county’s right of way.
Islandwide
County pools
How many lifeguards do we have working at county pools at any given time?
There is a minimum of one pool lifeguard on-duty during operating hours. The Kapaa pool has two lifeguards on duty during peak hours.
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Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751 @gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit www.theshadow96746.tripod.com.
