Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Regarding the "Kokua Line" item about who is responsible for Kamehameha Highway between Kaneohe Elementary School and Windward City Shopping Center: I believe that area is state-maintained, with a contractor and subcontractor doing construction. They have put in new handicap ramps, all set to the original grade of the road, which is 6-8 inches below the current grade. That causes the area to fill up with water. Some of these sidewalk areas have been like that for two months, with no warning and no alternative but to walk on the busy roadway. I understood from talking with the district highways engineer that they were going to repave the road from Kaneohe all the way to the Kamehameha/Likelike in November, but that apparently hit a roadblock. What's happening? (Combination of two calls.) Kamehameha Highway
roadwork clarificationAnswer: We thought we resolved the question of whether it was the state or city responsible for the roadway complaints along Kamehameha Highway, specifically with complaints about repaving along bus shelters from Kaneohe Elementary School to Windward City Shopping Center. Based on the split jurisdiction, we said it appeared to fall under the city's jurisdiction. But we must have missed a turn somewhere, mislocating the school.
It turns out the state Department of Transportation is overseeing the work. State highways engineer Tom Gabrielli acknowledged there have been problems with the subcontractor scheduled to complete the sidewalks in the area. He said those problems were expected to be resolved by now.
In the meantime, temporary walkways throughout the construction area have been provided. "The only exception that I know about is in the vicinity of the Windward City Shopping Center," he said. "A temporary walkway is not possible at that location until the construction of a catch basin is complete, as it is smack in the middle of the walking area."
Gabrielli, meanwhile, said the ramps are not 6 to 8 inches below grade. He said they are an inch and a half below grade "on purpose. Before resurfacing," he said, "much of the existing pavement will be removed, and the new pavement will be appropriately placed to provide the proper transition between the roadway and the ramp."
Eventually, he said, all of Kamehameha Highway from Hawaiian Memorial Park to Kaneohe Bay Drive will be resurfaced under the current contract.
Mahalo
To the gentleman who jump-started my car at Kahala Mall on Feb. 21. I asked for help and he willingly obliged. In a matter of minutes, he got my engine running. Many blessings to him. -- Florence C.
Mahalo
I now live in San Francisco but was born in Kahuku and visit there often. A sister lives in Washington, another in Oregon and one in Iceland. Our family was in the islands recently for a reunion and to celebrate the important birthday of Sally Canque. A family member from Oregon invited a friend to come along for his first visit to Hawaii. He lost his wallet in the Kemoo Farm area in Wahiawa. But someone found it, called a number in Oregon, and the wallet was returned with everything intact. A proud moment for local people. Mahalo and aloha. -- Pacita Canque
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