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 New Town Park
Da Shadow: I had a talk with the senior baseball team and they asked me to talk with the Parks Department about them assisting in building a new comfort station next to the pavilion. They built the pavilion a few years ago and can help again. Parks would only need to supply the materials. I also talked to Parks about this two years ago. Will Parks move forward on this?
County: (June 14) Parks does not currently have plans or funding to provide the materials for constructing an additional comfort station within 100 feet of the existing comfort station. The existing comfort station is located immediately adjacent to the softball field. Parks has regularly arranged for portable toilets to be provided during numerous senior softball events for their convenience, and located them between the existing comfort station and the pavilion. We appreciate the offer of assistance and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the needs of the senior softball group directly with their representatives at any time.
Kapa‘a New Town Park
Da Shadow: On the scorers booth in the back of the tennis court area, there are loose wooden handrails on the stairs leading up to the booth. When will this be fixed?
County: (June 14) Parks will have our Eastside Park Maintenance Supervisor investigate the location and extent of this damage, and materials needed immediately. Parks will submit a work order request to Public Works for these repairs.
Lydgate
Da Shadow:In the back of the playground area, there is a coconut stump that needs to be removed. What is the timing for the training of the coconut stump grinder so that this can be addressed?
County: (June 14) Parks has acquired a stump grinder. We are working with Public Works to schedule training for this equipment. We anticipate the training to be completed by August, and the removal of this stump and others to occur shortly thereafter.
Lydgate
Da Shadow:There is no shower head on the public shower and it’s all rusted. This is next to the playground. When will this be fixed?
County: (June 14) Replacement fixtures have been ordered, and Parks is working with Public Works to have these fixtures replaced by November or December.
Lydgate
Da Shadow:I’ve talked to lots of people about the possibility of installing handrails on both sides of the walkway to the main pavilion. This would be helpful for the kupuna. Could volunteers be used to do this?
County: (June 14) We can ask the “Friends of Kamalani” to coordinate a volunteer effort to install these railings. Parks will first need to coordinate the “in-house” design and procurement of the necessary materials. We will pursue scheduling of a construction date by the end of this calendar year.
Nawiliwili
Da Shadow: The Kalapaki beach parking area has many potholes and is generally unsafe for drivers. Also, as noted in an earlier item, the concrete barriers have fallen into the ocean. When will this be addressed?
County: (June 14) Parks does not currently have plans to re-pave the driveway and parking area along Kalapaki Bay. Paving of this extensive driveway will exceed the facility’s “lot coverage” requirement. Parks will begin addressing these concerns and filling/leveling these areas using gravel/crushed coral. Parks will attempt to complete this work by October or November.
Mayor’s office
Da Shadow:Does the administration conduct a job performance review in place for department heads and deputies? Who are responsible to review all of the department heads and deputies?
County: (June 29) All department heads and deputies undergo a performance review on an annual basis per the requirements of the Salary Resolution that is approved by the Salary Commission every year. For departments that have commission oversight (KPD, KFD, Liquor, Planning, Personnel), the commission conducts the evaluation with input from stakeholders of their choosing. For all other department heads, the mayor or managing director conducts the evaluation with input from stakeholders of their choosing. Evaluations for deputies are handled by the department head.