Kokua Line
By June Watanabe
Friday, December 25, 1998
Kokua Line
The bathroom at the Sand Island boat-launching facility has not been working for many months, at least since the Fourth of July. We have to get in our car and drive somewhere if we need to go. Is someone going to fix that problem? Sand Island
bathrooms to reopen
early next yearBoaters and others who go to the public boat-launching facility at Sand Island will have a slightly belated Christmas gift: The restrooms are supposed to reopen shortly after the beginning of the new year.
However, $42,211 has had to be spent on repairs and security gates, said Stephen Thompson, Oahu District manager for the state's small-boat harbors.
The problem is severe vandalism, almost from the time the boat launch and picnic grounds opened in 1995 and continuing, even after the access road was locked at night and iron gates were installed around the restrooms, he said.
Vandals "tore the water fountain off the wall, interfered with the electrical distribution panel, broke the sinks, broke the toilets, spray-painted everything."
The vandals are believed to be youth gangs not involved in any boating activity.
A contractor was hired to repair initial damage, Thompson said.
"In the course of the repairs, the new fixtures -- the new toilets and sinks -- were vandalized" even before the restrooms could reopen, he said.
The restroom structure now looks like a jail house. But even with "this security perimeter," the vandals have got through, Thompson said.
For boaters who use the Sand Island boat-launching ramp, an alternative is to use the dock across the channel at Keehi Harbor. The restrooms there are open, Thompson said.
In addition to vandals, another problem is drivers racing through the area.
It's so bad that the culprits have even moved the concrete pillars that are set to keep vehicles on the road, Thompson said.
"We're going to install speed bumps on the entry road that are designed not to interfere with the trailering of boats but would prevent high-speed drag-racing," he said.
Police do patrol the area, but "they can't be there every day," he said.
The area was "set up to be very very nice," Thompson said. "It's just unfortunate (that) it's become the target of people committing criminal property damage."
I forgot some things in a Longs Store cart on Dec. 18: a gift from a friend, tangerines and some Christmas party goodies. I hope you'll return the gift to the Kaimuki Longs manager. -- No name Auwe
To police officer Jesus Rosalez. On Sept. 20 I had a near collision with a concrete abutment used to designate the ZipLane on the H-1. I was subjected to what seemed like an infinite duration trying to control my car as it whipsawed across two lanes. When I finally was able to stop, I was in near shock. It was then that Officer Rosalez approached on his motorcycle. He checked the brakes and looked under the hood. His attention provided the resolution necessary to resume my drive home. He even was kind enough to follow for a distance to ensure no more difficulties. Days later, I learned he himself had been the victim of an accident while on duty. I pray that he has had a complete recovery and wish him and his loved ones a happy holiday season. -- Rae Fernandez Mahalo
(Officer Rosalez is still recovering from injuries suffered when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in October and has not yet returned to duty, an HPD spokeswoman said. He was flagging down the driver for speeding on Likelike Highway when he was hit.)
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
