• 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
• 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.
Kapaia Swinging Bridge
Da Shadow: What is the status of this project?
County: (June 29) The consultant is completing revised drawings to incorporate repairs that would be needed following the flood damage that occurred in March. The Roads Division is working with the County Attorney’s office to send a right of entry resolution to the Council in order to remove the vegetation that was piled on the bridge from the storm. Public Works sought FEMA funding for repairs but the request was rejected.
Kilauea Road
Da Shadow: Some portions of the sidewalk on K?lauea Road are cracked. Jerome has received lots of phone calls from residents about this safety hazard. When will it be repaired?
County: (June 29) The Public Works Roads and Building Divisions will inspect and coordinate necessary repair work.
Lihu‘e Post Office
Da Shadow: There are cracks in the road between the post office and Bank of Hawai‘i, caused by a tree on post office property. The post office says they are waiting for the County to address this. What is the County doing to address this?
County: (June 29) The Roads Division has been working with the County Attorney’s office for more than a year on this issue. The problem is that the roots from a tree on post office property is causing damage to the sidewalk and roadway. The post office is responsible for removal of the tree and the work can not proceed until that is done.
Upper Kapahi Reservoir
Da Shadow: This reservoir hasn’t had water for about a year or so. Farmers are impacted. DLNR states that they ware waiting on County Public Works to issue permits before they can begin to restore the reservoir. What is the timeline for this?
County: (June 29) The County is working cooperatively with DLNR to address the issues at Upper Kapahi Reservoir, with the ultimate goal to bring it back into operation if feasible. These issues are complicated and costly, and will take some time to resolve. We continue to work actively with DLNR, and recently solicited input from the users of the reservoir, in this effort. Once a plan of action has been developed and funding secured, we can work toward permitting.
Mailihuna Road
Da Shadow: Off of Kuhio Highway, on Mailihuna Road heading up to Kapa‘a High School, the guardrails on the side of the road are damaged and rotting. When will they be replaced?
County: (June 29) Based on estimated availability of supplies and manpower, we expect this repair to commence by October.
Puhi Park
Da Shadow: There is a storm drain on Nahema Street fronting the park that is clogged with debris. Can PW clean this out?
County: (June 29) Our District Supervisor will make an inspection and recommend appropriate action.
Olohena Road
Da Shadow: Between the middle school and the roundabout there is about 100 feet of roadway that needs resurfacing and repainting of the solid white lines. When will this be addressed?
County: (June 29) The road design is being prepared and is expected to be programmed into the next STIP Collector Road Preservation Project, so that we can leverage 80/20 funding opportunities. We hope to address by June 2013.
Olohena Road
Da Shadow: The sidewalk on Olohena Road across from the skating rink needs to be restriped. When will this be done?
County: (June 29) Public Works requests clarification on what is to be striped? Is this request for a sidewalk? Our District Supervisor will make an inspection in the meantime to determine what the need might be.
Wailua Beach
Da Shadow: There is serious sand erosion across from Coco Palms where cars park. State DOT Highways says it would be Public Works’ responsibility to deal with this erosion. When will this be addressed?
County: (June 29) A site visit was conducted on June 20 and Roads Division will address the north end of Wailua Beach with back fill and boulder replacement. The south end of the beach will be addressed with boulder replacement. It appears that the recent erosion is beginning to reverse itself. Public Works wil continue to monitor and address as necessary.
Uhelekawakawa Canal Pedestrian Bridge
Da Shadow: When will Public Works clean the side of the canal banks and trim the overgrown branches?
County: (June 29) Our District Supervisor will make an inspection and recommend appropriate action.
