Why is it that the Waianae Coast is always last on the priority lists for the state and city? For over eight months, one lane fronting Nanakuli Shell near Mohihi and Princess Kahanu streets has had temporary, uneven asphalt covering. In December, I called state and city agencies and was told the Board of Water Supply was doing work. Waianae's road woes not
the same as Hawaii Kai'sOn Feb. 18, I saw the BWS crew working until the wee hours of the morning. They waited until something broke before they came out and the road is still not fixed. Secondly, the number of accidents and head-on collisions on Farrington Highway should prompt legislators to fund money to upgrade the roads.
Yet, all they recommend is more traffic lights to stop motorists from going fast. I'm sure if Waianae people were the same "type" as those living in Hawaii Kai, Farrington Highway would be like Kalanianaole. We need better drainage during rains and barriers separating the direction of traffic to keep Waianae residents alive.
Yours came in as an "auwe" complaint, but we decided to give the state Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over Farrington Highway, a chance to respond.
The BWS should complete its work there by the end of next week, said DOT traffic engineer Tom Gabrielli. Under the permit it got from the DOT to do the roadwork, the board is responsible for restoring the roadway to a drivable condition and maintaining it for a year afterward.
Regarding drainage improvements, DOT staff met with Rep. Mike Kahikina recently about drainage problems along the highway.
"The understanding is that the representative will try to" have funds appropriated for the work, Gabrielli said.
There also is a widening project involving drainage improvements and an ongoing drainage project from Manuulaula Street to Maili Stream, he said. "So we're not ignoring" drainage.
However, regarding a concrete barrier to divide traffic flow, it's just not feasible, Gabrielli said. For one thing, there is a railroad right-of-way and beach access that cannot be taken away, he said. That makai area can only be used for a bikeway or walkway. The alternative would be to encroach on residential lots on the mauka side.
"That's why it's not comparable to Kalanianaole Highway," Gabrielli said. Also, "It's not just a matter of two to three feet (to install the barriers), but up to 20 feet," when you start figuring in other requirements, he said.
Gabrielli also said when Kalanianaole Highway got widened, traffic got faster.
"Farrington Highway does not need faster traffic," he said, noting that many accidents are caused by speeding.
- Mahalo and Auwe