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.
Lydgate
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) Is there any further work planned at Lydgate Ponds to deal with the murky water situation — other than taking samples on a regular basis?
County: (Sept. 20) We are actively working to find solutions to the turbidity problem in the ponds. On Sept. 7, the County’s consultants took samples of water in the pond, which includes the leaf like material that appears to be part of the problem. We also used a trash pump with a filter to see if that would be effective in removing the debris. The results were not what we had hoped for, but we gained valuable information about possible remedies. We will moving forward with a different type of pump to see if that’s effective.
Lydgate
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) There are rusted valves near the wastewater treatment plant next to Lydgate Park. Shouldn’t these be replaced?
County: (Sept. 20) This piece of equipment is a backflow preventer (BFP). It’s associated with the water supply at Lydgate Park. The equipment is inspected annually, upon request from the Department of Health. The last annual evaluation revealed no issues with the equipment. We anticipate it will be tested again on the regular annual schedule as requested by DOH. If any issues with the BFP are detected they will be handled appropriately.
Aliomanu
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) What is the update on addressing the erosion problem on this road?
County: (Sept. 20) The plans were recently redesigned and are ready to go pending the negotiation of a right of entry and easement from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Once that’s complete, we will commence with procurement. We expect construction to begin in 6 to 9 months.
Public Works Building Division
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) What is the job description of the Chief of the Building Division of the Department of Public Works?
County: (Sept. 20) This position oversees the Building Division of the Department of Public Works. The Division of Buildings is responsible for facility development, code enforcement, building construction and maintenance, and janitorial services. All programs are responsible for providing the people of Kaua‘i with safely constructed public and private facilities, and well-maintained county facilities.
Haleilio Road, Wailua
Da Shadow: (Sept. 6) On the left side near the wastewater treatment plant the coconut trees need trimming. When will this be done?
County: (Sept. 20) The area is being examined to determine on whose property the trees sit and what appropriate action would be. Update: (Sept. 20) We have requested assistance for delineation of property lines, and have requested private property owners to trim the trees with no response. We are moving forward in the interests of safety to schedule trimming all trees overhanging onto the wastewater facility and Haleilio Road areas. It will be completed by the end of next week.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
