Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Can they change the timing of the traffic lights at Likelike and Kahekili highways, especially on weekday afternoons? On most days, cars on Likelike have to wait three minutes for the light to change because the lights favor Kahekili traffic. There doesn't seem to be as much traffic crossing from Kahekili as in the past. It's the same problem in the morning. I've written to the Department of Transportation, with no response. Can you help Windward residents with their commuting time? Traffic-lights’ timing
always under reviewQ: Can traffic authorities adjust the traffic lights in the Pearl City area before developing the Manana warehouses into a big-box retail center? On weekday afternoons, because of the light coordination, traffic on Kamehameha Highway moves slowly to Waipahu, lining up past Kaahumanu Street. With development, it will only get worse.
Answer: At this point, the answer is "no" to the first question, and apparently "yes" to the second.
In general, traffic signals along major intersections and roadways -- such as Likelike/Kahekili and Kamehameha -- are under constant review, said city Department of Transportation Services Director Cheryl Soon.
Major routes with heavy demands are given longer green lights, which results in long cycles and delays for opposing traffic.
In the case of Kahekili/Likelike, no change will be made, because the "timings and cycle lengths were found appropriately set."
Factors considered were safety, traffic congestion levels, number of lanes and volume -- trying to balance the needs of vehicles from all approaches, Soon said.
"Wait times can add up to several minutes depending on traffic conditions and when a driver arrives at the intersection," she acknowledged.
But a three-minute cycle "splits green times during peak hours for Kahekili and Likelike, so the wait time would normally be much less," she said.
The intersection will be reviewed again when school starts.
As for the second question, Soon said DTS frequently reviews traffic signal operations along Kamehameha Highway near Waimano Home Road. With the expected buildup in commercial activities, plans are being made to improve traffic signals, roadways and intersections. That should help to lessen congestion, she said.
Dealing with park trash
Regarding recent complaints about the trash situation at various parks: The city will be modifying its park trash collection schedule starting Monday."The accumulation of trash is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in all of our parks," said Craig Mayeda, head of the Department of Parks and Recreation's park maintenance and recreation services. The change in the pickup schedule and practices will be done "to reduce the buildup of trash in our parks," he said.
Mahalo
To a customer who came into our Hawaiian Island Creations store one recent day. Having partied a little too hard the night before, I was a little tired. Along came this man with a big smile and even bigger "aloha." He didn't mind that the weather wasn't too great or the surf not too good, he was just happy to be in paradise. He didn't mind that the beaches were packed or that the price of almost everything here was so high -- he was just excited to be able to relax with his family. His attitude gave me an energy boost early in the day! -- Nathan Tagami
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