Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, January 27, 1998

Stopping, turning around
not allowed on the H-3

I was driving along the H-3 freeway. I wish there were scenic points to stop and take in the beauty of the mountains. Of course, I respect that the freeway goes past Hawaiian burial grounds. Can I stop on the shoulder for a minute to throw a lei over the side to show respect for those buried there?

You can stop, but you shouldn't. The shoulders are for emergencies only, said state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.

The reason there are no scenic stopping points is primarily "an expense issue."

"Because the H-3 is built on viaducts, it would have added considerable expense, millions of dollars," to the freeway, Kali said.

The grade of the road would have necessitated long on- and off-ramps to any lookout, she said.

Then, there's the issue of safety. "Because the H-3 is a high-speed freeway, we're concerned about cars getting on and off with the curves in the road and all."

I was driving on the H-3 and couldn't see any place to turn around in case you make a mistake. You can turn around after the Pali and Wilson tunnels. Is there any place to turn around?

No. "Once you get on the H-3, it's a straight shot to (and from) Halawa," DOT spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said.

"We don't have turn-arounds on an interstate freeway," she said. "You won't find them on the H-1 or H-2 either, for the same reason that they are high speed. To slow down and make that turn could cause an accident or crash, because cars behind you are going the speed limit. It would be extremely dangerous and definitely a safety issue."

However, there are "open areas" that are intended for use only for contraflow operations, Kali said.

Why did the Department of Transportation close the off-ramp from the H-3 freeway to Kailua? Will it ever reopen it? It saves a lot of drive time.

There are two off-ramps to Kailua, said DOT spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.

What you are probably referring to is the ramp that temporarily connected the H-3 to Likelike Highway for town-bound drivers.

It was set up to alleviate traffic snarls during construction of the Kaneohe interchange, Kali said.

"Three years ago, the Legislature appropriated funds for a feasibility study to see if a (permanent) ramp could be built there -- if there is enough room."

That study showed there is ample room. But it was decided the ramp was not a high priority, compared to projects already on the books to ease traffic from Leeward Oahu into town, Kali said.

Also, the project would not be funded as part of H-3. Three years ago, it was estimated the ramp would cost $30 million.

"So we have not pursued it up to this point," Kali said.

Auwe

To the family in the 3700 block of Lurline Drive. On New Year's Eve, you and your guests were very loud until 3 a.m. I live in the 4300 block of Sierra Drive and could hear you, your loud radio and a last blast of fireworks, including aerials, at 3 a.m. Next time, have consideration for your neighbors.

Mahalo

To the kamaaina who returned a $100 bill on Jan. 5, at Tropic Fish and Vegetable Center in the Farmers Market. We were on our way home after a vacation of three weeks and that was our last $100. We had such a nice time in the islands and the return of the money was a topper to our trip.

Auwe

To the backseat woman passenger in a silver-blue Civic Honda, who tossed an empty soda bottle on Punchbowl Street, near Queen's Hospital, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.