Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What is that construction going on along the side of Punchbowl Crater, facing Diamond Head? Workers stabilizing
crater rimAnswer: It's the erosion control part of the Crater Rim Stabilization Project at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
Over the years, the crater's volcanic stone has been crumbling.
To combat that erosion, "we're putting in a man-made product called Shot-crete," said Gene Castagnetti, director of the federal cemetery. "We've tried to pick a color that's a rustic brown that will blend in."
The Shot-crete is applied by high pressure to the crater wall. "It adheres very quickly to the stone, which solidifies the cracked portion of the cliff wall," Castagnetti said. "That will, in the long term, stabilize it from crumbling."
The scaffolding should be down by the end of the month, after which vegetation is expected to creep back and cover the repair work, which covers an area about 100 feet wide by 50 feet high.
Work began in March, with the removal of vegetation, loose boulders and debris, Castagnetti said. Then steel anchor bolts had to be inserted for added stabilization.
The Crater Rim Stabilization Project also includes putting in a sidewalk and building a reinforced earth wall as a retaining wall. The entire project will cost more than $3 million and is scheduled to be completed next March, Castagnetti said.
Q: When are U-turns legal in Hawaii? Are they only illegal when there is a sign so stating or are there other rules that govern them?
A: You can make U-turns unless specifically prohibited by a sign or, according to Section 15-8.4 of the Traffic Code, "upon any street in a business district, upon any highway with three or more lanes, or at any intersection where traffic is controlled by traffic signal lights, except as otherwise permitted by official signs and markings."
Q: I read the item about the banners designed for the American Dental Association and agree that the artist did a great job. I don't understand why Ogilvie & Mather won't say who the artist is. I think this person deserves credit. Can you find out?
A: Can anybody out there, including the unidentified artist herself, resolve the mystery? If so, call Kokua Line, 525-8686.
Auwe
To a Liliha/Alewa Heights bus rider for everlastingly complaining and grumbling at the city bus drivers. You need to change your bad attitude toward the kind and wonderful bus drivers. You should also have respect for paid passengers. -- Observer
Mahalo
On Oct. 6, I fell near the band room at Kalani High School. As I was in terrible pain, I forgot to thank all the people who came to my rescue. There were several ladies who stayed and comforted me until the ambulance arrived. I also want to thank Mr. Dennis Kaneshiro, the band teacher, for his assistance and support. -- Jane N.
Auwe
Regarding the recent item about someone asking for a second trash container: The containers the city provides for automated pickup are sufficient for a normal-size family. But many families have ohana units and renting them out for income. They shouldn't be given a second one without being charged. -- Jean
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