• 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.
Mailihuna Road
Da Shadow: Coming down from Kapa‘a High School, on the right side of the road, there is a storm drain on the edge of the road with about a five foot drop off. This contributes to flooding on the road. Can a retaining wall be installed in this location?
County: (June 29) Our Roads Division will inspect the area, research ownership and coordinate a plan of action based on their research.
Kolohala Road Mini Park
Da Shadow: DOW crews did work in this park and left the park in terrible shape. All the grass has died. When will DOW or the contractor repair the park?
County: (June 29) This work is on the punchlist for the contractor to complete before the contract is closed.
Anini Beach Park
Da Shadow: The comfort station on the boat ramp side needs some kind of ADA ramp, as there is a 4-inch height difference from the ground to the comfort station. When can this be addressed?
County: (July 17) To address this concern and fully comply with ADA requirements, the following will need to be done: 1) Construct appropriate ADA parking stalls; 2) Construct walkway from the stalls to the comfort station; 3) Construct walkway from the comfort station to the big pavilion; 4) Construct walkway from the big pavilion to the shower and BBQ area; and 5) Make sure that the shower and BBQ area are ADA compliant. These improvements are not currently funded or scheduled. Department of Parks and Recreation will review current funding available for ADA improvements, as well as our current list of ADA Improvement Projects. The department will either re-prioritize current projects to substitute this project for one which is currently funded and scheduled, or will place this project as a high priority for the next budget cycle in Fiscal Year 2013–14.
Puhi Park
Da Shadow: There is no basketball netting on the hoops. When will this be replaced?
County: (July 17) The Department of Parks and Recreation will replace these basketball nets by the end of this month.
Waha Road
Da Shadow: There is a big sink hole on Waha Road next to the Lihu‘e Chevron, which is on Grove Farm property. Is the County working with Grove Farm to get this fixed?
County: (June 29) This issue has been discussed with the landowner, Grove Farm. The problem is on private property, thus, no public funds will be spent on this project.
Islandwide
Da Shadow: There is a law prohibiting drinking in the parks between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Are there signs up notifying the public of this restriction? How many citations have been issued since this law was passed in 2009?
County: (July 17) Only four citations were issued for alcohol in the park after 11 p.m. Currently, there are no signs up at any park about not alcohol.
Lihu‘e
Da Shadow: On the road on the backside of the park that runs in front of Immaculate Conception School, the stop sign on the Ehiuku Street end of the road is blocked by buffalo grass. Can Public Works cut the buffalo grass?
County: (July 17) The grass was trimmed the week of July 9, and the tree stump is being removed today.
Wailua Houselots
Da Shadow: Near the wastewater treatment plant there are coconut trees full of coconuts hanging over the road. When will they be trimmed?
County: (July 17) The trees are on private property. Public Works is researching ownership of the parcel so that the owner can be notified to trim the trees.
Kapa‘a
Da Shadow: The crosswalk on Olohena Road across from the skating rink needs to be restriped. When will this be done?
County: (July 17) This crosswalk will be restriped when a new supply of paint arrives.
Public Works
Da Shadow: When will Public Works start on the islandwide repaving project and who is the contractor?
County: (June 29) Grace Pacific is the contractor. Work will begin on the north side of Kaua‘i in July 2012, and will proceed around the island to the Westside.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96715@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
