Need for safe bridges Thank you, Walter Lewis, for another of your factual, interesting and in-depth articles for “A Better Kauai”, regarding our bridges (Forum: Jan. 20). As you point out, the replacement of at least three of our deteriorating
Need for safe bridges
Thank you, Walter Lewis, for another of your factual, interesting and in-depth articles for “A Better Kauai”, regarding our bridges (Forum: Jan. 20).
As you point out, the replacement of at least three of our deteriorating bridges is a dire safety issue and has been for at least seven years. The Opaeka‘a bridge, in particular, is an accident waiting to happen, as the steel girders suspending the bridge are thoroughly rusted and have been since 2003. The county spent $30,000 to install a steel beam to beef up the bridge but stated that this was a “temporary” fix, and the bridge could still collapse.
In fact, in 2004 Councilman Rapozo was so upset with the condition of this bridge that he tried to get emergency funds allocated to take care of it then, but his advice feel on deaf ears. Yes, the beam was installed and the weight limit of the bridge was lowered, but putting a Band-Aid over a ruptured artery is not the answer. That bridge and the other two should have been rebuilt then.
Walter points out that the major reason these bridges were not replaced in 2003-2004 — Mayor Baptiste highly prioritized this project to be done — was because a small group of people wanted these bridges left one-lane for “historical” purposes. But since the Feds at that time would only fund 80 percent of the cost of the project if the bridges were built to their safety standards which meant they had to be two-lane and have proper guard rails, the project was stopped and is still in the “hold” position.
Though the facts that Walter gave showing one-lane bridges have two times more accidents than two-lane bridges — all verified by our state traffic engineers and our Kaua‘i Police Department — these same “feel-gooders” continue to make our administration hesitate on what to do.
Somehow they wrongly use the rationale that keeping these bridges one-lane for historical purposes is more important than making them two-lane for the safety of all those who use them.
Walter’s last sentence in his article is on target. He says, “Unfortunately, too frequently, the voices heard are those of an active few rather than the larger number of those who fail to bestir themselves. The rule that we get the government we deserve will then apply.”
Please call or email the mayor’s office if you want these bridges rebuilt as two-lane bridges with all the modern safety measures incorporated.
And thank you, Walter Lewis, for all you do to keep Kaua‘i Kaua‘i.
Glenn Mickens, Kapa‘a
Getting off oil
By setting strong mileage and pollution standards for new cars, the Obama administration is taking a historic step to tackle global warming and get off oil — all while saving Americans money at the gas pump.
These standards present huge wins across the board for our environment, our economy and our national security. By the year 2030, the proposed standards would cut annual global warming pollution by roughly 200 million metric tons, cut annual oil consumption by nearly 23 billion gallons, and save American consumers nearly $45 billion annually at the gas pump.
Innovation in the auto industry is already creating jobs. By 2030, nearly 500.000 jobs could be created. The Obama administration should be applauded for their leadership to end our addiction to oil and keep billions in our pockets.
In a recent poll by Consumer Reports, 77 percent of respondents agreed that car manufacturers should produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, and the government should increase standards and enforce them.
Steven Ruddell, Kilauea
From a long-time visitor
I am a visitor who has been coming to Kaua‘i for six weeks a year for more than 16 years. We go to church here, attend as many local events as possible, have been to track meets and basketball games and love this island.
The first thing I noticed in observing the island communities this year is that things seem improved economically. Seems to be more businesses, more shops, more ships, and of course, more traffic. But people are still the same friendly, helpful people we have known for years. Sure, there is always a bad apple here and there, but Kaua‘i looks good this year. And Wailua Bridge is finished and working well.
However, the second thing, is that I agree with the letters complaining about the airport curbside personnel. They frighten people with their abrupt, surly and unfriendly manners. No aloha there. Their supervisors and the curbside staff need more training and need to change how they handle traffic. There are too many complaints for someone in charge not to finally take notice and do something about it.
The last thing is that the letters about the bridges on the North Side are right on both sides.
It does slow locals down unnecessarily, especially the big bridge from Princeville to Hanalei. That could be a candidate for replacement and would keep traffic moving while not allowing speeding because of the sharp turn there.
I do believe the one -lane bridges on the other side of Hanalei to Ke’e Beach are not only charming, and part of the island history, but they slow the traffic down on a curvy and possibly very dangerous road if speed would be increased.
So, replace one bridge and keep the others.
Just my thoughts this year about beautiful Kaua‘i!
Mary Kerns, Tigard, Oregon
