Fix Stainback
After waiting for months, imagine my delight when the potholes on Stainback Highway were finally filled. And then my dismay, when within a week most were opening back up, and within two weeks the big one was almost the entire width of the road again.
Now we wait for many more months before the road gets repaired again.
Traffic on Stainback increased dramatically after the light was installed at Kipimana Street, which caused traffic to back up to the Kilauea merge. This does not include when Highway 11 is closed for an accident or an accident investigation.
The condition of the road is so poor that it is not uncommon to see cars with flat tires and bent wheels caused by the road.
My fear is that nothing will be done to correct the problem before a serious accident takes place and the resulting lawsuit gets all the parties involved to fix the road correctly.
I am not sure why the Department of Transportation, the county roads division, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, or the prison can’t seem to get it right and make a safe passage for island residents.
Tom Gilmore
Mountain View
Support for Rodenhurst
I was disappointed to hear of Ikaika Rodenhurst leaving the county Department of Public Works. I did get to know him from my involvement with several county issues. He was always responsive and professional.
I did not know him when his appointment was presented to the County Council for approval. After seeing his performance during the council questioning, I was convinced he was the right man for the job. I urged my county representative to support him.
Myself being a registered professional engineer in Hawaii, as Ikaika is, I saw in him his dedication and commitment to our code of ethics.
I hope for the sake of the citizens of the Big Island that the mayor has legitimate reasons for making or initiating this change. There are numerous issues on the Big Island that require engineering solutions. Losing someone like Ikaika will likely be a major setback for these projects.
Mahalo nui loa, Ikaika, for your service to our community. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Don Rudny
Pepeekeo
Camp a success
We would like to say mahalo to those who made our 1st annual Hawaii Officials Camp a success:
— the campers who represented all the islands;
— the Pana‘ewa Gym Parks and Rec staff;
— Randy Apele for securing our games;
— the four teams that participated;
— Kevin Jakahi for the article in the Tribune-Herald;
— our ohana and friends who stopped by the gym to show support and those who supported from afar.
It was an honor to work with our island officials and to see the passion they have for our game. This camp was a career highlight and a wish come true. Looking forward to next year.
Shelley Nakasone and Esther Hsu
Hilo