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Kokua Line
Question: Why does it take the city so long to install park equipment at Kapaolono Park in Kaimuki? I was told in April by the city director of the Department of Design and Construction that it would be done this fall. I called this fall and they're telling me it is just now going out to bid and may be done in the spring or following fall. In the meantime, we don't have any play equipment for our young children, which doesn't seem fair. Why the delay in
getting park equipment?Answer: The wheels of government do seem to turn slowly. In this case, it's because of a change in direction.
The city had hoped to install the new playground equipment as part of an existing contract, an official for the Design and Construction Department said.
That's why the initial target date was set for this fall. "But the Finance Department decided against it," he said, "because it would have meant changing the contract.
"We're bidding it again and trying to get it before Summer Fun (programs) starts," he said.
Kapaolono is one of several parks targeted for new playground equipment.
Q: I just read the Kokua Line question regarding the Electoral College. However, I have yet to see or hear who they are. Who are the electors from Hawaii?
A: The Star-Bulletin had an article on Nov. 9 naming Hawaii's four representatives to the Electoral College, all members of the Democratic Party, since Vice President Al Gore carried the state.
They are: Marsha Joyner, who unsuccessfully ran against state Sen. Sam Slom this year, owner of Hair Fair Salon in Waikiki; Joy Kobashigawa-Lewis, a secretary in the University of Hawaii's College of Continuing Education; Michael Amii, deputy director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation; and Pedro Racelis, Jr., a retired recreation specialist who was with the state juvenile detention home.
Q: Why was there bunting all over the Iolani Palace facade and why was the only flag flying the Hawaii state flag Thursday?
A: The palace was decorated with red, white and blue bunting and Hawaiian flags to recreate King David Kalakaua's 50th birthday celebration in 1886. Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king, was born Nov. 16, 1836.
(A bit of history: Kalakaua's sister, Liliuokalani, assumed the throne on Jan. 29, 1891, nine days after his death. Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last monarch, watched from Washington Place as the Hawaiian flag was replaced by the American flag at Iolani Palace during U.S. annexation ceremonies on Aug. 12, 1898.)
Auwe
For over a year, I have noticed that Kobayashi contracting employees begin parking on Kamehameha and Oahu avenues in Manoa (near the UH president's residence) from 6 to 6:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. Workers then pile into two company trucks and are driven to a work site. About 3:30 p.m., the trucks return with almost 20 employees. I realize that Kamehameha and Oahu are public streets and anyone is entitled to park there. However, since trucks fetch and return the workers, wouldn't it be more considerate for them to park farther up the valley, where students are less likely to park? Farther up Oahu Avenue, beyond the Oahu-East Manoa Road intersection might be a fair compromise. As a student in search of parking, I would be so appreciative. -- No Name(We passed your suggestion on to the company and was told it wouldn't have any response. You can contact them yourself, 671-6460, or work through the Manoa Neighborhood Board.)
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fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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