Kokua Line
Kokua Line
I live on Waianae Valley Road. Driving is unsafe because the utility poles on the side of the street have no safety reflectors. All they have are silver strips that are broken or damaged. It's been some time since those reflectors were repaired. I called Hawaiian Electric and was left on hold. I called Hawaiian Telephone and was told it was the city's problem. I called the city and they said it was Hawaiian Electric. I don't know whose problem it is, but we need to have orange reflectors because the roads are dimly lit at night. Could you help with this problem? Heco to repair, replace
marred safety reflectors"It is a safety issue," Fred Kobashikawa, spokesman for Hawaiian Electric Co., agreed.
After checking on your complaint, he said Heco would replace the damaged or broken reflectors in the area.
He also said that anyone who sees someone tampering with or damaging those reflectors should call Heco's trouble line, 548-7961.
A few years ago, the police department announced that it was going to crack down on pedestrian jaywalking problems in Honolulu. However, every day, people can be seen crossing Palolo Avenue at Waialae Avenue, seemingly oblivious to the "Don't Walk" sign. This is especially prevalent right after school. This would be a prime location for undercover police surveillance.
I work at Kaimuki Shopping Center. On 5th Avenue, between the center and Sacred Hearts Academy, many parents with children, as well as unaccompanied children, cross the street where there is no crosswalk. I've talked with the school and center and nothing has helped. I'm afraid that a child will get hurt one day. The problem is compounded by the fact that trucks and cars park on the side of the street where it says no parking. On two to three occasions, children have just darted out. It scared me to death.
We presented the two complaints to officials in the Honolulu Police Department's District 7, which oversees Kaimuki.
Jaywalking, like running red lights, speeding and all manner of traffic-related problems, is clearly not confined to Kaimuki but is happening "all over the island," said Maj. Boisse Correa.
"Jaywalking is a major concern," he said. Where it involves students, "we usually talk to the schools and the student body and they've been very cooperative."
Sometimes it's better to try first to change people's behavior, rather than giving citations, he said. "Enforcement is always the bottom line though; sometimes we do have to go out with enforcement efforts."
Of the Sacred Hearts Academy complaint specifically, Principal Betty White acknowledged the problem. Parents are reminded to use the two auto lines on campus when picking up and dropping off their children, she said. But there are always those who find it more convenient to do it off-campus.
"We would love for the city to put a crosswalk in, but we cannot patrol it because the liability would be too great," she said.
"We will be working with the school," said police Officer Paul Nakajo. In fact, an officer recently issued three warnings to students caught jaywalking and the school held an assembly to talk to students about the dangers, he said.
To security officers at Kahala Mall and police officers for prompt action during an April 9 incident at the mall. The community and families in East Honolulu appreciate your efforts in curbing disruption and crime. Keep up the good work. -- G.B. Mahalo
To people coming on private property to steal bougainvillea and other greenery for haku leis. They also chop the branches. -- No name Auwe
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
