Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Kokua Line
Question: I am concerned for the safety of elderly pedestrians on Aiea Heights Drive, in the area of Aiea Recreation Center. The Diamond Head side of the street is deeply pitted and weed-covered. Many elderly residents use this roadway. My concern is that there will be a serious or fatal accident on that section of the road because there are no sidewalks. I have talked to people in Councilman Mufi Hannemann's office, the city Department of Transportation Services and the Department of Design and Construction. After weeks, I still was unable to get an answer. I am not a rabble-rouser or troublemaker. I'm just a citizen concerned for the safety of my mother and other elderly residents. Can you help? Property owners
should clear walkwaysAnswer: We got an answer -- and solutions -- for you, but they are far from simple or popular.
First, city ordinances say property owners are responsible for maintaining adjoining unpaved sidewalk areas and making sure they are clear of impediments.
"This includes keeping the area free of ruts and overgrowth," said Roland Libby, deputy director of Design and Construction.
Based on your complaint, his office has asked the city Department of Planning and Permitting to investigate the area and determine if there is a violation that needs to be corrected.
One option is to install concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks under an improvement district. Adjoining property owners would be assessed a portion of costs. Improvement districts have not been popular because of this, Libby said.
In the past, under special circumstances, the city has installed asphalt sidewalks. But, such a project now would have to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has limitations on cross slope and curb ramps.
"Under current ADA interpretations, it is extremely difficult to construct and maintain asphalt paving to meet these requirements," Libby said. Because of this, the city is considering a policy to discontinue constructing asphalt sidewalks.
To pursue an improvement district, contact your Council representative, since the Council has to initiate such action, Libby said.
If conditions of unpaved sidewalks are a concern, call 523-4107.
Auwe
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, I was traveling toward Kailua on the Pali Highway near the intersection of Waokanaka when a light blue Dodge S., about four or five car lengths in front of me in the left lane, suddenly brakes. I swerve onto the embankment to the left. Although I clear the car in front of me, because it is pouring rain and the road is slippery, I slide into the Dodge. We both pull over to the side and I go over to see if the two women inside are OK. I then see what caused the accident: the car in front of the Dodge either dropped or threw out a huge bundle in the middle of the left lane and the Dodge had no choice but to brake. It was a pillow. A pillow dropped carelessly on the highway could have caused a major accident. I thank God that no one was killed or seriously hurt. I am now told by my insurance company that I am at fault because I hit the Dodge. Am I wrong to think that the person who dropped the pillow should be responsible? -- Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Mahalo
To whoever found my wallet. I lost it at Paki Park on Jan. 12 and thought it was gone. Somebody found it and turned it over to the Pearl City Police Station. He didn't leave name or number. -- Richard
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