Question: There are several large signs on Pali Highway as you’re headed toward the tunnels, Kailua-bound. They say something to the effect that trucks and buses are to use the center lane between 5 a.m. and noon. What problem are highway engineers trying to solve with that restriction?
Answer: The restriction started out in 2010 as part of a study to find out what was causing vibrations in the right, Kailua-bound lane of Pali Highway, between the makai and mauka intersections with Nuuanu Pali Drive. (See is.gd/pB84S9.)
Residents from nearby homes have complained for years about the vibrations. However, after more than three years of restricting heavy trucks to the center lane during certain hours, "monitoring of the vibrations provided inconclusive results," said a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.
But the restriction along that stretch of Pali Highway "will continue indefinitely," he said. At this point it’s moved from a study to a "vibration prevention measure." The problem is that the vibrations do not occur every time a heavy vehicle travels in the right lane, the spokesman said.
"With this inconsistency, the only viable course of action would be to dig up the concrete right lane and replace it with asphalt concrete," he said.
"This would likely cost several million dollars and mean increased maintenance costs over time as the softer asphalt surface would not be as durable under the daily volume of heavy vehicles," he said.
It’s also possible that this potential fix wouldn’t completely eliminate the vibrations. So, heavy vehicles will have to continue to use the center lane 5 a.m. to noon.
Question: Is there anyone we can contact at Manoa Chinese Cemetery to see if they have a listing of all the graves? My grandfather was buried there in 1930, and we can’t find his grave. Everything has changed in the 20 years we last visited there.
Answer: Contact Robert Wong, the cemetery’s historian and superintendent. Call 778-5395.
Wong estimates there are more than 3,500 grave sites in the 27-acre cemetery, which is Hawaii’s oldest and largest Chinese cemetery.
It was established by the Lin Yee Chung Association in 1852. Although initially meant to provide traditional Chinese burial and memorial services, the cemetery at 3430 E. Manoa Road now is the resting place for people of many other ethnicities, Wong said.
He said an average of 15 to 20 burials take place there every year.
The cemetery is on the register of the State Historic Preservation Division and is said to be notable for being a "classic" Chinese cemetery and where a traditional cultural ceremony is held each April during Ching Ming, the Chinese memorial season.
MAHALO
To the kind individual who turned in my wallet lost at the Water Gardens Keolu 4 Theater at Enchanted Lake Shopping Center in Kailua on Nov. 9. The theater owner, Scott Daniel, located me in the theater to return it in person. My gratitude cup is overflowing. I am humbled by these individuals’ integrity and kindness. — Suzanne T. Bell
MAHALO
To the Handi-Van reservationists and ProCareTransport for their compassionate services for a person in a wheelchair. John and his drivers on the Windward side are always on time or early. If I’m finished early for an appointment, they pick me up rather than have me wait for the scheduled pickup time. Most of the time, they wheel me into the lobby of the building. We appreciate their friendliness and kokua. — Gary Kiyan and family
MAHALO
Kudos to all the band members from different high schools who performed so well in the pouring rain at the Mililani Trojan Band Fest at Mililani High School earlier this month. Congratulations to all participants and all who supported their efforts — their teachers, parents, student helpers and anyone else involved in this event. — Admiring Fan
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd.,
Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
