‘Art’ in the park
‘Art’ in the park
Isn’t it time for those tattered rags in Kalakaua park to come down? They look really sad, dirty and depressing. Kalakaua is such a beautiful park; we should be able to enjoy it without the clutter.
Michael Engstrom
Hilo
The waiting game
I’m very disappointed by the lack of progress on two important — and stalled — Big Island transportation improvements: the second phase of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening and final east side Daniel K. Inouye Highway phase-SR200(3).
These projects will help the Big Island’s struggling construction industry, but neither has started.
The second phase of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening was supposed to start in 2008 and be completed by 2010. However, it’s been held up for the past six years because of two bid protests and a last minute Section 106 consultation process, which is still ongoing with no end in sight.
The final east side Daniel K. Inouye Highway phase, on the other hand, is being held up by a glacial right of way acquisition process. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has acquired the necessary land for this project from twelve out fifteen landowners. The acquisition of the right of way from the remaining three landowners won’t be completed until September 2015.
Both of these critical highway projects will improve highway safety and provide much-needed jobs and economic stimulus.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona