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.
Kapa‘a Swimming Pool
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) There is a very rusted chain link fence on the back of the facility. When will the fence be replaced?
County: (Sept. 5) Parks does not currently have funds budgeted for this replacement. DOPR will assess the urgency of this fence replacement within the next month.
Moana Kai Road
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) A while back I inquired about the rusted sign posts on Moana Kai Road. The response from Public Works was that they would be replaced when the multi-use path construction was done in that area. When will this work begin?
County: (Sept. 5) The contract for the construction of the multi-use path has been awarded. Construction of this section is scheduled to begin by November 2012. The sign posts will be addressed at that time.
Nawiliwili
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) In the parking area near JJ’s Broiler there are cement parking barriers that have fallen over the side of the parking lot and need to be replaced. When will this be done?
County: (Sept. 5) As previously reported, Parks will replace the concrete bumpers by November 2012.
Haleilio Road, Wailua Houselots
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) The solid yellow center line on Haleilio Road from Kuhio Highway leading toward the houselots needs to be restriped. When will this work be scheduled?
County: (Sept. 5) Yellow paint is due to arrive by the end of this month. Once received, the striping work will be completed.
Historic County Building
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) It would be helpful for the elderly if there were handrails on the steps of the Historic County Building. Are there any plans to install some?
County: (Sept. 5) Both Council Chair Jay Furfaro and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. agree that this is a needed item. We have initiated discussions with the architect to prepare a drawing for submittal to the State Historic Preservation Division for installation of handrail. Because the building is a historic structure, approval from the State Historic Preservation Office must be obtained before any work is done. Funds will need to be identified and the work scheduled once the plan is approved.
Kauwila Street, Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) There is an evergreen tree on the property of the Hawaiian Church that is encroaching onto the county’s easement on Kauwila Street. Also, the crosswalk sign fell down on the Kauwila Street crosswalk (parallel to Kuhio Highway). Can the county address these two situations?
County: (Sept. 5) As in the case with other trees on private property and encroaching into public right of way, we will be sending a letter informing the owner to either trim or remove the tree. Our sign crew has been notified of the fallen sign and will address as soon as possible.
Vidinha Stadium
Da Shadow: (Aug. 23) The old scoreboard is still at the stadium. When will it be removed?
County: (Sept. 5) As reported on June 14, 2012, the wooden platform was abandoned and no longer used since the existing electronic scoreboard was installed. Parks does not currently have the demolition of this platform scheduled or funded as a project at this time. Parks will pursue this removal within the 2013 fiscal year through its approved repair and maintenance budget for Vidinha Stadium.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
