Driveway access hindered but not blocked by work

By June Watanabe

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, May 28, 2012

~~<p>Question: Kaikor Construction Co. is re-concreting the roads on our very steep street, Wilhelmina Rise, in Kaimuki. On Tuesday we received a notice that as of the next day we would not be allowed to access our driveways with our cars. They estimated seven to 10 days of work. Residents have major concerns, but no one from the phone number provided by Kaikor has responded. Why start on a Wednesday, three days before a long weekend and national holiday? Why give only one day’s notice? That’s not enough time to arrange for carpooling, adapting work schedules, rescheduling appointments, etc. Many of our neighbors are seniors and rely on Handi-Vans, walkers and wheelchairs. In case of an emergency, how are the emergency vehicles and firetrucks supposed to get to our houses? They have advised us to PUSH our large trash cans UP the hill to the next block for pickup. This will be difficult for a young person and nearly impossible for a senior citizen. Isn’t it common practice, and just plain courtesy, to provide some kind of ramped access to our driveways? I’ve asked several people in the construction industry about this, and all are puzzled by the lack of accommodation provided to the residents.</p>
<p>Answer: The city Department of Design and Construction apologizes for the inconvenience.</p>
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Question: Kaikor Construction Co. is re-concreting the roads on our very steep street, Wilhelmina Rise, in Kaimuki. On Tuesday we received a notice that as of the next day we would not be allowed to access our driveways with our cars. They estimated seven to 10 days of work. Residents have major concerns, but no one from the phone number provided by Kaikor has responded. Why start on a Wednesday, three days before a long weekend and national holiday? Why give only one day’s notice? That’s not enough time to arrange for carpooling, adapting work schedules, rescheduling appointments, etc. Many of our neighbors are seniors and rely on Handi-Vans, walkers and wheelchairs. In case of an emergency, how are the emergency vehicles and firetrucks supposed to get to our houses? They have advised us to PUSH our large trash cans UP the hill to the next block for pickup. This will be difficult for a young person and nearly impossible for a senior citizen. Isn’t it common practice, and just plain courtesy, to provide some kind of ramped access to our driveways? I’ve asked several people in the construction industry about this, and all are puzzled by the lack of accommodation provided to the residents.