Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I'm a cyclist. On Kalanianaole Highway, the mauka side between Kalani High School and Kahala, there were potholes along a very narrow strip that we rode on. Some road crew dumped gravel mixed with what looks like blacktop along this narrow strip and didn't smooth it out. We don't have much more than 12 inches before we're into the highway. It's like riding a bike over a bunch of boulders. Hard on the okole, arms, necks. Can something be done? Smoother ride in
future for cyclistsAnswer: Something will be done, but not soon.
State Department of Transportation inspectors were sent to check on your complaint, but didn't find the situation serious enough to warrant special attention.
A major resurfacing project scheduled to begin next year "will take care of it," said Oahu District engineer Martin Okabe.
Bids for the resurfacing of Kalanianaole, between Aina Koa and West Hind Drive, is scheduled to be advertised this fall, with notice to proceed sometime between February and May 2000.
If it's any consolation, the project will result in some bike lanes -- giving you a smoother, safer ride along that stretch.
The $5 million resurfacing project will include installing guardrails and putting in root barriers to prevent tree roots from going into the roadway, Okabe said. It will take about one year.
Q: Why was preferential treatment given to a DAGS employee at the Kalanimoku Building? This employee, with just eight years of state service, was immediately able to obtain parking at the Department of Health building (Kinau Hale), in close proximity to Kalanimoku. State employees with a lot more seniority need to go to the Blaisdell Center or the Liliuokalani Building for parking, quite a distance from Kalanimoku.
A: In general, parking assignments for employees of the Department of Accounting and General Services are made according to seniority, based on the number of employment years with the state, said state Comptroller Raymond Sato.
The employee you refer to was not assigned parking in Kinau Hale by DAGS, he said. This person could be parking in the public area that requires hourly coin payments, Sato added.
If you have proof otherwise, write or call back.
Tanco Lab update
A reader wanted to know who took over for Tanco Laboratories (not Panco, as published). Peter Ackman, a dispensing optician, called to say he bought the company in 1997 from the person who bought out owner Jim Tannehill. Tannehill started the optical lab in the 1950s, Ackman said. Call 528-5252.
Mahalo
To John and Scotty, in a Kleenco van, who helped a young couple push their disabled car out of traffic one busy morning on Ala Moana. Their fast action and two minutes of kindness prevented a traffic mess. -- Happy motorist
Mahalo
To Sherine of the Hawaii Nature Center and to my fellow hikers who were so helpful and encouraging when I ran into difficulty during a recent hike on Nuuanu Trail. -- Edna
Sofa bed sheets
I have a sofa bed, but am having a hard time finding sheets for it. I've called several stores, but to no avail. Can any of your readers help? -- C.(If you can help, call Kokua Line, 525-8686.)
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