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.
There is a blocked culvert at the bottom of Omao Road, a short distance from Koloa Road, that has been blocked for several months. Can this be cleared up?
The Public Works Roads Division inspected the culvert and confirmed that water is flowing. Any sediment buildup that may be inside the pipe will be addressed.
How many miles of county roads have been paved since 2012?
A total of 31.32 miles of 99 county roads have been resurfaced since 2012.
Does the county have an annual budget for road repairs and paving? What is it this year?
Yes, for the upcoming budget session, the Department of Public Works has $2.4 million in its budget for road repairs. However, the budget has not yet been approved for this upcoming year.
Can the sidewalks in front of the police station be inspected? Tree roots have pushed up the sidewalks and someone could trip and fall?
The sidewalks around the Kauai Police Department fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Buildings Division, which is working with a landscaper to install a root barrier and will then work to repair the sidewalks.
Also, the street lights there are on during the day. Why is that?
Electricians found three street lamps on Kaana Road, near KPD and the Transportation Agency, that were malfunctioning and have since made repairs. All street lamps are now working properly. There are also lights at the Transportation Agency Baseyard. Those lights that stay on all night for safety reasons as bus drivers work late-night and early-morning hours.
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Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
