Time to solve highway woes
The state recently repaired major portions of Olohena Road and Kamalu Road here in Kapaa. Due to the intense traffic on the Kuhio Highway going through Kapaa, to the locals, this has been an alternate “bypass road.”
Since the completion of the re-paving project, traffic has at least tripled with motorists trying to bypass the gridlock getting through Kapaa, and is not the “new” bypass road.
There are times that the residents here in the Homesteads cannot get out of our own driveways.
Perhaps someone with enough fortitude will propose a solution to this problem on the Kuhio Highway.
Lord knows we are inundated with tourists, both a good thing and a bad thing. There is a solution so let’s work together to find and implement it.
Paul Arrigo, Kapaa
Disabled transportation needed
First, let me say that Hawaii, and especially Kauai, is my favorite place on God’s green Earth. I’ve had the privilege of visiting your glorious islands twice, and had plans for a third trip for our 50th wedding anniversary.
Herein lies the problem. We had our plane tickets (not cheap because I’m severely disabled, and must fly first class). We also had our lodging arranged along with rental of a wheelchair-accessible handicap van. At that point all our plans fell through because all the car rental companies in the state decided they would no longer stock wheelchair-accessible vans for the disabled because of liability issues.
I would think that signing a waiver before renting the van would solve the problem. Just think of all the disabled people who are being denied access to your beautiful state by this decision, including disabled vets. You may not owe people like me anything, but you certainly owe them!
I think there are laws requiring companies to provide for the needs of the disabled. It would be a real blessing if car rental companies would return to obeying those laws!
Midge Swanson, Saginaw, Michigan
