Thank you DOT
This is to compliment the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the efficient way in which they handled the repairs of the Hanalei bridge.
We all know that the bridge was in dire need of repairs and that there was no easy way not to impact the community, since it is the one way in and out of town.
However, their creative solution to put the barriers up on the sides to hide and protect the construction crew from traffic and also to monitor the traffic flow has been low impact on the community and very effective. It’s very impressive!
Now, as of Nov. 3, I see the barriers have come down and the bridge looks brand new! The new paint job is fantastic!
Job well done DOT and all other crews involved!
Mahalo nui loa for all of your hard work!
Much appreciated!
Kimberly Bayless, Hanalei
Common sense
So, on Saturday, Nov. 4, the leeward sides of all islands were on alert due to the ongoing drought and dry conditions.
Obviously, this meant that some lolo in Kekaha decided it was prime time to launch aerial fireworks around Elepaio Road.
After all, what could happen? Oh, maybe a neighbor’s home could catch fire or something like that … Think about what happened on Maui.
Calling the police nonemergency line, the operator said they had already been called and an officer was on the way.
When the next explosion occurred, the operator response to a second call was that an officer had seen nothing and had returned to patrol.
We suggested that the responding officer wait around for the next launch.
We don’t know if that happened, but there was one more explosion for the night.
I expect that I will be told that I don’t understand “local culture” despite my 50-plus years living on Kaua‘i.
I enjoy fireworks displays as much as anyone else, as long as they are safe and do not threaten my neighbors’ property.
Steve Hansen, Kekaha
I also find it odd that Koloa Village and other businesses are allowed to burn their torches on windy days and even on the last “”no burn -Risk for fire day” — {finally they have trimmed their plants so the fire is not touching the plants!!!]…. but the Fire Dept say they have a “permit to burn” these open flame torches in Poipu and Koloa—a designated High Risk Fire zone!!!
Fireworks should be reserved for controlled displays. The stadium, the base.. All others should be banned. The irresponsibility of residents to their neighbors is unbelievable. Fireworks pose a major fire risk to houses and properties plus they are dangerous to handle. (US product safety board: There were 1,300 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 600 with sparklers in 2022). Fireworks also scare pets that run away from homes that can be hit by cars, cause people to have asthma attacks and other breathing issues, cause noise pollution and litter our streets. The last time I checked, littering is when you throw something on the ground and don’t pick it up. I’ve personally picked up firework trash from 4Th of July and new years “firework time” for months after these holidays. It’s time to re-think and evolve to a safer way of celebrating,..