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.
Answer: The city Department of Design and Construction apologizes for the inconvenience.
But residents were given advance notice by the contractor, and officials say emergency vehicles will have access to homes.
Regarding starting work in the middle of the week: “Any type of roadwork has a preparatory and curing phase that takes place over seven to 10 days,” said Chris Takashige, deputy director of design and construction.
No matter what day work starts, it “will inevitably overlap at least one weekend, sometimes two, and will always affect someone’s driveway in close-quartered neighborhoods,” he said.
Additionally, he said the city contracts work for a total set period and does not dictate intermittent work phases, as that would increase costs to the contractor and, in turn, to the city.
The project, which began April 2, is being done block by block, with each phase expected to take seven to 12 days.
Takashige said Kaikor has provided or will provide residents with three notices: a flier sent out shortly after the contract was awarded on Oct. 17; a notice posted on streets about a week before the start of each phase; and a notice sent to residents one to two days before the actual blocking of driveways.
Meanwhile, Takashige said it is not common practice to provide ramped accesses to driveways.
“Access to driveways or entrances, though hindered, is still achievable by emergency vehicles and residents,” Takashige said. “If there is no access it should be reported to the city for remedy.”
The city’s point of contact for the project is Michael Yuen, 768-8839.
Question: Where did the Waimanalo landfill get its name? It’s in Leeward Oahu.
Answer: It is confusing since Waimanalo, the town, is on the Windward side of the island.
But if the full name of the landfill — Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill — is used, the name’s origin becomes clear. It sits at 92-460 Farrington Highway in Kapolei, along the Waimanalo Gulch.
“Waimanalo” means “potable water” in Hawaiian.
Mahalo
To the very wonderful lady who offered me an umbrella one day when I got caught in a drenching rain after getting off the bus at Pali Highway and Nuuanu Pali Drive. She stopped her car and offered me the umbrella. I will be forever grateful and hope to pass the gesture on to another person. I was able to return the umbrella the next day when I saw her again at the same stoplight. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. — June
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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.
