By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. In Kaimuki there is a huge lingering traffic problem. During the first phase of the improvement project, temporary curbs were placed between the far right and middle lanes at the makai/ 'ewa corner of 11th Avenue and Wai'alae. This moves the bus stop to the middle of the road and the curbs essentially cut off an entire lane of traffic turning right onto 11th Avenue. We all fear that these temporary curbs are scheduled to be made permanent with concrete, forever jamming up the traffic situation in our neighborhood. Can you find us any information on this situation?

A. City Transportation Services Director Cheryl Soon said traffic experts agree with your assessment and plan to shift the barriers closer to the old curb within a week.

"I think it was too severe and we're going to realign it," Soon said. "It basically killed a whole lane." She said the temporary curbs allow engineers to experiment with different solutions. She said other people complained about the configuration, which forced buses to load passengers from the road and blocked most of the lane.

Q. Who do we contact about the overgrowth of grass and foliage from the empty field between the Women's Community Correctional Facility and Kailua High School? The overgrowth always creeps into residents' yards because the area is not maintained on a regular basis. I have dealt with 29 centipedes within six weeks. The University of Hawai'i suggested that I spread pesticides around my yard. Isn't the state required to keep the property lines free and clear of foliage and rubbish? My problem is twofold because now with the lack of rain, we also have rats! With the advice of the state Vector Control division, I have set rat traps and have caught a rat just about every day.

A. The state Department of Public Safety sent out crews to clean up the lot after we got your question. They said the lot is their responsibility.

If you have problems in the future, a spokeswoman suggests that you call the warden at 266-9888.

Do you ever get frustrated or confused trying to navigate the various layers of government? Are you looking for an answer to a simple question but can't figure out where to start? If you have a question or a problem and need help getting to the right person, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster in one of three ways:

• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.

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