Is going to Tier 5 a good idea?
Friday’s Garden Island had a headline indicating that the DOH is worried about the increase in cases. In the same article, it was noted that the County would go to Tier 5 on July 8.
Today TGI reported 10 new cases.
I am extremely concerned about the increase in cases. Despite being fully vaccinated, I know I can still catch COVID — and I am a kupuna as is my husband, who also has several comorbidities.
I have supported Mayor Kawakami’s decisions until now. In light of the sharp increase in cases, I think it is irresponsible to move to the next tier.
Donna Gould Carsten, Kapaa
Contra flow hours need to change
By default we have created an entire summer season (2021) of visitors who will swear never to return to the “Traffic Isle”!!!
The State had a year and a half of very little traffic to expand the highway fronting Coco Plams. But no, the construction started as we were opening up again. Zero flexibility or foresight.
This morning, without thinking, I was heading North, from Lihue, and got stopped on the Hanamalulu bridge in stop and go traffic this was at about 11 a.m. The new contra hours need to end at 10:30 not 11:30 !!
I have only lived on Kauai for 36 years, but the changes I have witnessed are profound, and not too many are positive.
Dale Winters, Kapaa
An accident waiting to happen
The intersection of Kaumualii Hwy and Maluhia Rd is extraordinarily dangerous, if one wants to turn left onto Kaumualii Hwy, ie go to the Westside. There is no access lane (as there is for the east bound traffic) and the speed limit through the intersection on Kaumualii Hwy is 50 mph.
One must be very patient and wait for an opening in both the east and west bound traffic in order to safely and successfully negotiate the left turn. Ideally, there should be an access lane for traffic turning left (going west) onto Kaumualii Hwy, but it’s unlikely that an access lane will be constructed. The next best solution might be to slow down the traffic in this intersection, by lowering the speed limit to 35 mph, giving the left turning vehicles a safe chance to successfully complete their turn.
Does anyone else out there have any ideas?
Michael Diamant, Koloa
I totally agree with Michael Diamant’s concerns. The area is a head-on collision waiting to happen.
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Michael, take Koloa Rd when going to the west side.
Donna, probably best for you and your husband to “lock down” considering your condition. And especially, don’t hang with unvaccinated residents.
Dale, get used to it. The State has had many years to plan for the influx of people we now have, including you and me. Just think about how the Marquesan’s must feel about all of the new arrivals over the last 1,000 years.
Michael, yes there is a solution. Build a on ramp to the westside on that intersection.
Slowing down speed limit will not make it any easier to make a left turn heading westbound.
Also, in today’s TGI, “Largest tour rental purchased more vehicle to their fleet.” It will be even more complicated and frustrating to wait there at the intersection. Drivers making a left turn would be competing with drivers traveling southbound, let alone eastbound and westbound traffic.
Howard Tolbe/Eleele
Like Donna, I too have been a fan or our Mayor for his handling of the Covid situation. But, now we need to open up fully and do away with all restrictions like every other State in the Nation. I too am vaccinated and not at all concerned with catching Covid or if I do, I am not concerned with serious health issues stemming from the virus. Yes, we have had an increase in cases, but among those who made a conscious choice not to get vaccinated. That’s fine and I support their decisions. If they don’t want to get vaccinated, then they must accept responsibility for whatever happens as a result. The rest of us should not continued to be restricted because of their choice. The governor’s plan to wait until 70% of the state is vaccinated is ridiculous because we will probably never achieve that goal. There are too many folks who just don’t want to get vaccinated for whatever their reasons might be. So we should do away with all restrictions, like every other state, and let people accept responsibility for their own health and safety. It’s time.
Agreed.
I think they just don’t care is the reason why they caught the virus again. Which goes to show which race is more prone to getting COVID-19? I just don’t know. The ones who do care can catch it also. It is really a toss up. And cannot be explained.
What are you eating this morning? I’d like to know how you started of your 4th of July.
“By default we have created an entire summer season (2021) of visitors who will swear never to return to the “Traffic Isle”!!!”
Excellent, the strategy is working!!
I had a snack last night. Just some crispy spicy chicken sandwich from McDonald’s. So this morning I am not hungry.
I’ll wait until afternoon. See what comes up and stop over again at Jack In the Box to get something else. They have many choices at Jack In The Box. Potato wedges an item I always order. Really tasty.
I agree about the tree tunnel left turn, it is dangerous, I had just turned left there this week. I do believe the Highway is supposed to be 35 along that stretch of HWY, but maybe nobody slows down enough. I also think that the beautiful green grass island there on the left hand side of the intersection should be converted into the merging lane for left turns out of the tunnel. It reminds me of how many accidents will occur on Kauai until someone finally fixes the problem, remember the Left turn into Human Society for Lihue bound when it didn’t have dedicated left turn there, or how about the Wailua Houselot left turn during contra flow. Hummm maybe Kauai is safer if only turn right.
Why not take Koloa Rd instead then?
more than likely a roundabout like Kealia will solve the danger there. in fact get rid of all signals and replace with ancient method of moving cars to their destinations without bumper stopped traffic. oh but wait pipe dream too many AH drivers on Kauai to make that work!!!
Thank you Donna for making the issue about you….because,… we now know,…..”I am a kupuna as is my husband, who also has several comorbidities.”
We know you are special. There are many “special” people in the world.