Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Road paving in Moiliili should be pau soon, city says

Question: They've been repaving University Avenue for at least seven weeks, but I've noticed the contractor is not around to finish the job. There is a huge bump where University intersects King Street, because asphalt was removed by the contractor and only one layer of new asphalt was laid. Two to three layers of new asphalt is usually required to make the road level with the intersecting street. Some careless driver could be speeding and lose control, hitting a pedestrian or some other object. Can you please update us on when this road hazard will be addressed?

Answer: The contractor, James W. Glover Ltd., is not missing in action, and the uneven roadway should be addressed by the time you read this.

The "reconstructing" of University Avenue, from Hihiwai Street to Varsity Place, involves reconstruction of the base of the roadway, utility adjustments, resurfacing and pavement striping, said Eugene Lee, director of the city Department of Design and Construction.

"There are times, either due to weather conditions or scheduling issues, when sections of road are left for short periods of time without the final pavement lift being installed to bring it up to the final grade," he said.

When that happens, temporary asphalt "transitions" are installed to facilitate traffic wherever there is a difference in grade, he said. "However, these are not intended to accommodate speeding vehicles or careless drivers."

The final "asphalt lift," between Kapiolani Boulevard and King Street, was scheduled to start Thursday and take about four days to complete, followed by the final pavement striping.

University Avenue is part of a single $10.3 million project that also includes reconstruction work along Keeaumoku Street (Kapiolani Boulevard to Kinau Street), Sheridan Street (King Street to Kapiolani Boulevard), Rycroft Street (Sheridan to Kaheka streets) and South Street (Ala Moana Boulevard to King Street).

Lee said he appreciated your inquiry because it gave him the opportunity to explain the situations drivers might encounter when passing through project sites. He advised motorists to use caution.

Meanwhile, be forewarned: "Such encounters will be a likely occurrence for many in the foreseeable future," Lee said.

Five major street reconstruction projects are in some stage of construction, and three others will be starting soon, for a total of more than $45 million in contracts. There also are projects in the design stage.

Public restrooms

In response to the lack of public restrooms in the downtown-Chinatown area ("Kokua Line," March 31), a state court worker points out "the very obvious" fact that restrooms are open to the public in government buildings, such as the state Capitol, main library and courthouses. The facilities aren't exactly conveniently located for Chinatown-goers, but in a pinch the District Court building at Bishop and Hotel streets is an option.