More barriers planned
for Kalanianaole HighwayResidents say a wrong part of
Waimanalo road is being targeted
The state Department of Transportation plans to install additional portable concrete barriers in Waimanalo to prevent motorists from crossing the center line of Kalanianaole Highway.
But some residents continue to say the state is not targeting the right area.
"It's not solving the hit-zone area," said Harriet Seabury, whose husband, Ramus, died when a pickup truck crossed the center line and slammed into his pickup truck in February.
Workers will intermittently close Kalanianaole Highway near Olomana Golf Course on Tuesday to install barriers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost for installation of 60 feet of portable concrete barriers near the exit of the Olomana Golf Course is estimated at $2,000.
In March, workers installed 720 feet of concrete barriers on the Kailua side of the S-curve in response to the Seabury and one other fatal accident that occurred in the region, but residents complained that it was in the wrong area.
Two years ago, 32-year-old Lorrie-Ann Wiley died near Olomana Golf Course when a vehicle slammed into her car.
Seabury said she appreciates the state's plans to install concrete barriers near the golf course exit but would like to have more barriers at the Kailua side of the S-curve near the exit.
"We will still push for something to be done," said Seabury.
"It's an effort. It's not entirely what the community wants," said Wilson Ho, spokesman of the state Department of Transportation. "They're accommodating as far as they can with the space they have."
Spokesman Scott Ishikawa said the S-curve is too narrow for barriers. State transportation officials plan to submit a request to the state Legislature next year for funding to look into solutions, Ishikawa said.