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 known as
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 known as Da Shadow, has been meeting with government representatives about problems he has discovered or that have been reported to him, and reporting the county’s responses.
Islandwide
Kauai Bus
What is the current monthly bus pass fee? Do youth or elderly get a discount?
The monthly bus pass fee is $40. There are currently no discounted monthly bus passes. However, the fee for one-way fares are discounted for both youth and elderly. Yearly bus passes are also available for purchase at the Transportation Agency. The price of a 12-month bus pass is $400.
Can there be bus service to Wailua Homesteads Park on Saturday and Sunday?
Any additional bus service is contingent upon the feasibility of adding the stop to existing service, availability of funding, and the level of demand for service at the location being requested. The Transpor- tation Agency can research the demand for weekend service at this location.
Lihue
Hardy Street
Does the county own a road sweeper? The trees create a lot of debris on the roadway. This is a concern particularly on Hardy Street, where additional trees are being planted.
The county currently does not have a street sweeper; however, we are looking at options to obtain a used sweeper from the City and County of Honolulu.
Waa Road
There is no “Dead end” sign on Waa Road. Can one be placed here?
PW Engineering Division prepared a work order to install a “Dead end” sign on Waa Road. However, a utility conflict was identified during the Hawaii One Call Center underground utility location process. The county is now preparing new signage that will not conflict with the existing utility lines.
Hanamauulu
Kuhio Highway
When will the bus shelter be erected near the Calvary Chapel in Hanamaulu?
The stop in front of King’s Chapel in Hanamaulu will be funded in Phase II of the three-phase Islandwide Bus Stop Improvement Project, which is scheduled to go out to bid by the end of this year. The construction schedule for this phase will then be determined via discussions with the awarded vendor during the pre-construction meetings.
Hanapepe
Moi Road
Moi Road in Hanapepe is in disrepair. Can this be addressed?
A PW supervisor immediately responded to this concern and found no evidence of disrepair or other unsafe conditions along this sidewalk. The county is currently looking at ways to obtain federal funding to help extend the sidewalk along the full distance of Moi Road, as requested by the community.
Kapaa
Hauaala Road
Is there a plan to create a sidewalk on Hauaala Road?
There are currently plans to put a sidewalk on the mauka portion of Hauaala Road, from Kawaihau Road down to approximately Moa Road, behind St. Catherine School. This sidewalk is part of the of Kawaihau Road, Hauaala Road, and Mailihuna Road Complete Streets project. There are no other current plans to install sidewalks on other segments of Hauaala Road.
Kapaa Beach Park
Is there a plan to build a seawall at Kapaa Beach Park?
There are no plans for a seawall at Kapaa Beach Park.
Keaka Road
There are drainage problems on Keaka Road, particularly during heavy rain events. Can this be addressed?
PW Engineering Division is currently drafting a plan to address the necessary upgrades to the infrastructure in this area. A timeline of that work is not yet known. In the meantime, PW Roads conducts routine maintenance in this area to alleviate drainage issues.
Kawaihau Road/Ke Ala Hele Makalae
What is the status of the “Kawaihau Spur” of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, which will take the path up Kawaihau Road from Kuhio Highway?
The county anticipates securing the federal funding for this portion of the project in January 2016, with construction to commence in the spring of next year.
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Jerome Freitas can be reached at theshadow96751@gmail.com or 635-3528. Visit his website at http://theshadow96746.tripod.com.