• Superferry • Akamai an’ no break da bank Superferry Too bad the Native Hawaiians didn’t have an environmental impact statement. They could have kept out the Christian missionaries, whalers, sailors, and planters, as well as those invasive species (coffee,
• Superferry
• Akamai an’ no break da bank
Superferry
Too bad the Native Hawaiians didn’t have an environmental impact statement. They could have kept out the Christian missionaries, whalers, sailors, and planters, as well as those invasive species (coffee, pineapple, and sugarcane). They could have prevented the building of hotels and timeshares; stopped automobiles, cruise ships, air-planes, and county government. Get over it, people.
This ain’t paradise anymore. Bring on the Superferry!
Biff Whiting
Kalaheo
Akamai an’ no break da bank
Many have wisely weighed in on the less-than-desirable plan to replace the old bridge on ‘Olohena Road. Two basic schemes have received the bulk of attention: 1) Open up a cane-haul road as a bypass around the bridge during construction. 2) Build a temporary bridge for alternate use during new bridge construction. Unfortunately, the obvious realization that the extended road closure during bridge construction will be a big fat drag for all affected has made little impact on the county’s plans, as these ideas are both felt to be too expensive.
I live in the Wailua Homesteads, and ride my bicycle along ‘Olohena Road to work in old Kapa‘a. Perhaps because I travel ‘Olohena at a slightly slower pace than most motorists, or perhaps because I am a designer and like to think about these things, I believe there is a third option that can both control costs and still keep ‘Olohena Road open during construction: build the new ‘Olohena bridge to one side of the existing bridge.
If this were done, there would be no need (or expense) for a temporary bridge — travelers could continue to use the existing bridge during construction. Likewise, there would be no need (or expense) to open up a cane road — travelers could continue to use the existing road without interruption. Upon completion of the new bridge, the ‘Olohena roadbed would be realigned to connect to it. This would have the added bonus of correcting an existing, awkward alignment by improving site-lines, and traffic safety. Further cost-savings could be realized by skipping completely the expense of demolition for the old bridge. Instead, we should retain the old bridge for non-motorized use.
I believe if this plan is adopted, everyone will be a lot happier, and we can all take credit for working together to get the job in a way that is both akamai an’ no break da bank.
Jonathan Jay
Kapa‘a
