HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0719.000 2000-2002 - r, ~ - r
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HILO, HAWAII
AUGUST 10i. ~.~-002
TO: LENINGRAD ELARIONOFF
CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC WORKS
MAYOR HARRY KIM, MEMBERS OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY COUNCIL, MR. DENNIS LEE, DIRECTOR
OF PUBLIC WORKS AND CHIEF OF POLICE, JAMES
CORREA.
FROM: FRANCIS L. BENEVIDES, SR.
VOLUNTEER, TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR
SUBJECT: SIDEWALKS, UTILITY POLES, ETC.
I am sure that all of uS are very much concerned
about the SAFETY of our citizenry whether on
the Highways, streets and roadways and sidewalks,
be it a motorist or pedestrian.
Some time ago I made a personal appeal to this
Committee and addressed also `o the General Council
and other Personenel directly involved in the
traffic Safety problems that face our County of
Hawaii. Our vehicular population is increasing
at a high rate annually, thus having to take a
closer look at the problems that are now and will
compound year by year.
In my personal observatimn of the problems, I am
hereby presenting some mayor areas that must be
looked into as soon as possible.
1. In my past report I have presented to all of
you sketches and photos primarily involved in
the Utility Poles/Sidewalks issue. How absurd i
it is that we must conform and comply by both
the Federal and STATE specifications. There
is inconsistencies in this ruling as you will i
notice the attached photo taken recently of the
intersection of KINOOLE and KAWILI, namely where ~
the "KAWILI DENTAL GROUP" newly constructed
building. You will notice that there, is no way
an accessible area to be used by pedestrians or ~ ~'j ~
the disabled with Wheelchairs. In this area, ~ ~
one must attempt to use the street area thus ~
coming in direct contact with ~-the on-coming
vehicles.
2. In the ever-presentation of the "OPEN DITCH"
at the EASt KAWAILANI area, there is nothing
being done to correct the problem. In my
reports of the past, in order tbat the COUNTY
of Hawaii will not be involved in Land
acquisition to correct this problem, I then
~~~~estP~ an~1 recommended sealing the 'DITCH"
with a concrete slab that will allow an
area to walk on by pedestrions commuting at
this area. Thanks to Mr. STANLEY NAKASONE,
of the PUBLIC WORKS who have assured me that
they have considered my proposal and as soon
as funds are available, work will begin.
I must also commend and thank MR. DENNIS LEE,
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS who have being very
receptive to the db®ve-mAlltioned problem of the
Sidewalks and Utility doles. He is to confer
with the other Counties of the State OF HAWAII
and with the cooperation by the Hawaii county
Council and HELLO to remedy the situation of
Utility Poles installation.
3. One major area that is very much in need of
primary concern is the area known as the "CHONG
STREET" intersection of KAUMANA DRIVE where the
BRIDGE is located. There have been many known
and recorded accidents that must have priority
attention. My suggestion is to have 'rough-
pavement' at this area that enters the CHONG
STREET. Secondly, making of a "CATWALK TYPE
OF G~ALKWAY" on the Bridge, thus eliminating
the high-costy of a retaining wall. Another
setback is that the curve area does not
constitute a 'super elevation' type of curve.
4. Because of our 'DARK SURFACE' on our streets,
roadways and highways, it has become very
important that all crosswalks should be
reflectorized and instead of the heavy cost
continual striping. itendification separated
markings should be reflectorized also. One
area that is very noticeable and is working
very effectively, is the surface of the
WAILOA BRIDGE. I am very sure that it would
minimize the cost on a long-tyerm range. It
also have been proven that the type of 'orange'
street lighting have been a contributing effect
on motorists and pedestrians, especially when
it rains and the surface become a 'glass-like'
vision reflecting the images from above.
5. There must be a concerted effort to correct
the non-guard rails areas on our streets and
highways. I was once reminded that there' is
not enough space for a shoulder constitur.ing a
guard-rail. I reminded the person or persons
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that there is a seven and a half (72) shoulder
that the County of Hawaii or the State Highway
Division that a retaining wall can be erected
thus having enough space for a guard rail.
There are many more areas of inconsistencies tnat
must be rectified and corrected to meet the
TRAFFIC SAFETY PROBLEMS of our Island thus making
not only a beautiful Island but a "SAFE" one.
Let u5 all work together co>c~peratively to make
our IS.lAND the best and safe for our citizens.
My greatest reward is that one year there will
be no fatalities. Together we can do it.
I am requesting that the GENERAL COUNTY COUNCIL
amend the existing ruling by the Federal and
State specifications concerning sidewalks with
installation and erecting of utility poles and
other identification marker poles including
electrical utility poles guy wires.
May I implore upon all of you to look to-these
matters very carefully and within your own
convictions come to a direct decision s for the
'good of all'.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to present
these issues. If at any time I can render any
type of assistance, please call on me. My aim
is to assist our administration to the best of my
knowledge.
SINCERELY,
Francis L. Bbnevides, Sri
VOLUNTEER
TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR
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