Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Why does the traffic signal on Kalia Road favor Hilton Hawaiian Village's traffic? When this signal was being installed, questions I had concerning its propriety went unanswered, such as why install a signal for a commercial business? Did the Hilton offer to help pay for the signal and its installation? Did the Hilton offer to pay the electricity costs? This signal only exists for the benefit of Hilton traffic, thus it seems fair that the Hilton Hawaiian Village should have made the above offers. Hilton paid for signal
at intersectionAnswer: The Hilton did pay for the installation of the traffic signal, said George Souza of the city Department of Customer Service.
"It was based on substantial traffic and pedestrian demands at that intersection of Rainbow Drive and Kalia Road," he said.
Whenever a private road or driveway that is open to the public connects to a city street and will have "a major traffic impact, traffic signals may be required for that connection," Souza said.
Having private owners or developers pay for such lights is not uncommon. This is not only seen in Waikiki, but at shopping centers, such as Ala Moana, Waikele and Pearlridge.
"Traffic signal systems were paid by the owners or developers, but the timings are set by the city, which determines the best overall flow conditions," Souza said. The major concern is with the public's safety not only on public streets but connecting points as well, he said.
The cost for installing traffic signals ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the amount of design, construction and equipment needed, said city Transportation Services Director Cheryl Soon.
"The number of lanes, roadway configuration, geometrics, surface adjustments, number of phases, additional signs and markings, coordination with other signals, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements are contributing factors," she said.
Q: In the July 6 issue of the Star-Bulletin, it was reported that Hui No Ke Ola Pono of Maui has developed a "Simply Healthy" cookbook. Is this cookbook available to the general public?
A: Yes, it is. From Honolulu, call Hui No Ke Ola Pono in Wailuku at 1-808-244-4647. Copies are $10, plus whatever shipping and handling is, said director Rae Mei-Ling Chang.
The nonprofit group is concerned with improving the diet of native Hawaiians.
Mahalo
To all the angels who stopped their cars at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, going up Pali Highway from downtown when I inadvertently made a wrong turn. There could have been a terrible accident. -- the Jetta
Auwe
To the jerk in the black BMW four-door sedan with shiny mag wheels who was driving like a maniac about 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, on the freeway heading toward Pearl City. You were tailgating and cutting in and out of traffic going way over 55 mph. You could have caused a major accident. -- Jr.
Auwe
To whoever stole the banner announcing Kapunahala Elementary School's Fun Fair from the side of the highway. We were disappointed because we wanted to invite the public and our friends and family to the fair on Oct. 15. -- Concerned parent(Kapunahala, at 45-828 Anoi Road, Kaneohe, will hold its fair 2-8 p.m. Oct. 15. Proceeds will help to pay for classroom supplies, class excursions and a playground.)
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