Da Shadow’s Corner for Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 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
Da Shadow’s Corner for Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013
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.
Bayada Home Care
Shadow: Bayada Home Care has a contract with the county for one year to provide services to the elderly. What is the source of funds for this program: federal, state or county?
County: State Kupuna Care funds are used to provide services through a contract with Bayada.
Finance
Shadow: How much TAT does the county get from the state? Has the amount been going up since the number of visitors has increased in the last couple of years?
County: We get $13,485,000 from the state in TAT, and that amount has been capped since 2010.
Police
Shadow: New police substation at the Kapaa Armory: There are seven or eight police vehicles parked in the back of the building. Are they still in use or will they be auctioned?
County: The police vehicles in the back of the substation at the armory are assigned to the Hanalei and Kawaihau districts. They are being stored there for use by the officers. They are not being auctioned at this time.
Adolescent Drug Treatment Center
Shadow: What is the update on this project?
County: The mayor has been working with an advisory committee to review the results of the recently completed feasibility study and recommend a preferred site for the facility. The mayor will be making an announcement of the site by the end of November 2013.
TV show
Shadow: Who pays for the TV show “Together We Can” on Hoike?
County: This show is part of an annual contract, paid out of the Office of Boards and Commissions that also covers County Council, Planning Commission and Police Commission meetings.
Lihue Fire Station
Shadow: There are old fire trucks behind this station. What are the plans for these trucks?
County: Older fire engines and other trucks are stored and used as reserve vehicles and when they are no longer usable or safe for emergency operations they are turned in for auction.
Kauai Fire Department
Shadow: What is the annual operating budget for the Kauai Fire Department?
County: For fiscal year 2014: $23,088,088.
Shadow: Do members of the Fire Department receive overtime?
County: Yes per the collective bargaining agreement, all members of the fire department except the chief and deputy receive overtime for hours worked outside of their normal workday and holidays.
Anini Beach Park
Shadow: What is the update on ADA accessible ramps to the restrooms? Will the old restrooms be replaced?
County: Funding was not allocated for this project during this budget. Plans to make this park fully ADA accessible do not include replacing the restrooms. Improvements to this park will be added to the list of ADA upgrades that are required islandwide.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
