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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Nothing cooking yet for Kailua park
Question: Why has the Kailua Beach Park concession stand been closed for over a year, maybe two? It was such a nice addition to the beach for locals and tourists alike. I've asked the Department of Parks and Recreation, but received no answer.
Answer: The food concession closed nine months ago and is not going to reopen anytime soon.
However, the city Department of Enterprise Services, which oversees the concession contract, is in the process of issuing a bid notice for a lunch wagon operation, similar to the one that operated previously and possibly for both ends of Kailua Beach Park.
"We believe there is a great demand and need for a food vendor at Kailua Beach for the community and beachgoers," agreed Dana Takahara-Dias, the deputy parks director.
The contract for the previous concession was terminated by the concessionaire, according to Enterprise Services officials. An interim concessionaire agreement fell through, which resulted in "the extended lapse" in food service.
At this point, they are "focused on providing a lunch wagon concession at minimum."
It is possible to have the building at Kailua Beach Park renovated and open for business as a concession, but the parks department "would have the best insight, as it currently falls under their administration," Enterprise Services officials said.
AUWE
I respect police officers, who put their lives on the line to protect the community. In the past few weeks, however, I've seen police officers who did not seem to give due care to other motorists. One night, a police car shot out of the parking lot of Kalani High School with no headlights or blue lights on to pursue a speeding vehicle. Another evening, I was driving near the Japanese Cultural Center when officers were chasing a white Dodge Ram pickup. The truck would have hit me if I didn't hop the curb. Then a black police Camaro sped around a corner and went into a slide; it did not have its lights or siren on. More recently, I was behind a police officer who almost hit several pedestrians in a crosswalk near UH Manoa. I thought police had to obey all traffic laws like everyone else and that both blue lights and siren are to be used to request the right of way. I am not writing this to pick on police, but just hope this letter will help everyone share the road with aloha. --
Concerned Motorist
HPD appreciates receiving feedback like this, said spokesman Capt. Frank Fujii.
The district commander would ask the pertinent watch commanders to provide "in-service training," Fujii said.
However, without more specific details, he said he couldn't comment on the officers' conduct or whether they were in situations where lights and sirens may not have been warranted.
The next time you observe dangerous driving, report the vehicle number/description, as well as the exact time, date and location, to HPD, Fujii said.
Got a question or complaint? Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers