But that's not the point. Here, we have a nice open trench with conduit being placed in it, along a stretch of scenic highway, and portions of the road still have wooden poles and utility lines blocking the view alongside. Why not bury the other lines at the same time? The highway would look nicer. Naturally, the official response to such questions is -- it ain't that simple. And even if it were, why should they?

According to Lynne Onemori of Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation meets about four times a year with the City and local utility companies to discuss such projects. With enough advance warning, a utility company could work with DOT engineers to bury their lines at the same time, and amortize the costs.

Even with expenses amortized, though, it still costs, and there's nothing to prod the utility provider into providing such a service. Why should, say, Hawaiian Electric bury its power lines along a scenic highway, even with a freshly dug trench at the foot of each pole, when they don't have to?

To top it off, not all trenches are created equal. "You can't have a water line and a sewage line at the same level, for example," explained Carol Costa, City spokesperson. "There are rules for laying in different kinds of conduit, and it all has to be planned and engineered in advance, with all parties involved."

According to Costa, City departments are now required to work together on all aspects of construction, just to avoid these sorts of questions. "Whenever possible, on City streets, we do bury utility lines -- just because it improves the quality of life here."

Enriching Hawaii's keiki

"Super Enrichment Saturday," where youngsters may explore their culture, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 23 at Leeward Community College. The program will including a printing class and storytelling.

"Super Art Saturday," where children will be exposed to visual and performing arts, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 20 at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Applications and information may be obtained by calling 956-9410.

These programs are funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Hook fishing license now

Applications may be picked up at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources office at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 130, or from licensing agents around the state.

The bag limit will be two catfish per angler. Fishing will be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays only. Each day will be divided into four-hour fishing periods: from 7 to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.

Information: 587-0100.

'Stars' struck

Click for online
calendars and events.