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.
Hanamaulu Beach Park
Shadow: What is the plan to demolish the old pavilion?
County Parks has submitted a letter to DLNR requesting approval for the demolition of the existing pavilion. Parks has recently received a response from DLNR requiring the filing of a Conservation District Use Permit (CDUP) for the requested action.
Shadow: Do you have to have a permit to go fishing between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.?
County: The county does not regulate or issue fishing permits. This is a function of DLNR. Hanamaulu Beach Park is open to the public between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A permit is not required during these hours.
Kealia Beach Park
Shadow: What is the update on the placement of portable restrooms at the south end of Kealia Beach Park?
County: The current contract for portable toilets does not include any units for the south end of Kealia Beach, but a new bid package is set to be released in the next few weeks which does include this as a new location in a future contract. The site is just south of Kealia Bridge along the bike path. These new units should be in place around the end of February as a part of the new contract.
Kilauea Gym
Shadow: What is the status of repairs to the facility to eliminate leaks?
County: Parks has just received a draft report from our roofing consultant. Parks is currently reviewing this report and will be providing comments to the consultant by December 2013. Once parks has provided its comments, the consultant will be completing a final report. We anticipate this final report to be completed by February 2014.
Lydgate large pavilion
Shadow: It would be helpful to have handrails for the elderly in the walkways to and from the pavilion. Can this be done?
County: Parks can place this improvement to the Lydgate Pavilion on its list of future projects to be appropriately prioritized for future funding. Parks is currently contracting for numerous repairs and improvements to Lydgate Park. Parks will review the feasibility of adding this.
Lydgate Pond
Shadow: Does the county still have an open contract with Oceanit for ongoing cleanup and consulting? How much have we paid them to date?
County: According to Public Works-fiscal records, the subject contract is still open, with a balance of $10,000 remaining. The county has paid Oceanit a total of $25,132 for this contract.
Lydgate sports fields
Shadow: The railing that leads to the comfort station from the sports fields needs replacing, as it appears to be rotted out. When can this be addressed?
County: Parks will have our welder immediately assess the existing condition and needed repairs of this railing. Repairs will then be completed within the next two months to assure the existing railing’s stability and the park user’s safety.
• Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.
