Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Your help is needed on what might become a potentially dangerous situation on the hairpin turn on Pali Highway, Kailua bound. Right at the hairpin turn, there are two places where water runs across the roadway. Both places look as if there is moss on the roadway because of the constant wetness. I'm not sure if this could cause a car to lose traction on the roadway, where a lot of the motorists are going 50-plus mph around the turn. It's always wet there, whether we have rain or not. Can you check into this situation? Blocked drain causes
water on hairpin turnAnswer: The problem should be resolved shortly.
From time to time, a stream of water does cross the Kailua-bound lanes of the highway where you describe, acknowledged Tom Gabrielli, a highways engineer with the state Department of Transportation.
"The problem is caused by the accumulation of rocks and other debris on the back side of the concrete barrier on the right shoulder," he said. "This accumulation blocks the normal drainage path, causing ponding and eventually seepage through the barrier sections."
Gabrielli said maintenance crews have been directed to go behind the barrier and remove any and all materials to ensure proper drainage.
Q: On May 27, while attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, a local rifle drill team participated. They were in red uniforms with white "English"-type helmets. Can you provide me with the name of their outfit?
A: It took a while, but we finally tracked down the identity of the "drill team."
It's the Hilton Hawaiian Village Guard, said Brad Powell, who is the entertainment coordinator/producer at the hotel.
The group was organized 11 years ago and has won at least one "worldwide" competition, while members of the Guard have won top awards in national competitions held in Florida the last three years, he said.
Members are young men ages 15 to 19, who are "recruited just like the military," from various high schools, Powell said. "We have an ongoing program where we're in constant training."
The guard has about 20 members (Adam Marumoto is commander) who perform at various functions, including the Aloha Festival Parade and the Hilton Hawaiian Village's fireworks show, he said.
If you're interested in becoming a member or want to hire the group, call Powell at 373-4472.
Mahalo
To the thoughtful person who found and turned in my wallet that I left on the CityExpress! A bus on June 26. Thanks again! -- Luke Yoshida
Auwe
To all those people who carved their initials in the trunk of a tree that is one of the centerpieces of the lovely Japanese garden at the top of Amfac Center on Bishop Street. One name goes up and down the length of the trunk in letters six inches high. I think it is outrageous to carve initials in any tree, but this garden is kind of special. -- Nancy Bey Little
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Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
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