BUREAUCRACY BUSTER

By Gordon Y.K Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. Last year, the city tore up the sidewalks on the diamond head side of the intersection at Dominis and Makiki streets to install handicap-accessible ramps and took a week to do it. This year, workers hired by the city tore up the 'ewa side to do the same, and then proceeded to tear up the diamond head side again! What gives?

A. It's true that curb ramps were constructed on the diamond head corners of Makiki Street last year as part of the mandatory Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan program. But according to city spokeswoman Carol Costa, those ramps faced Dominis Street only to discourage wheelchair users from crossing Makiki because the 'ewa side had no concrete sidewalks, just grass. This year, the city is putting in sidewalks on the 'ewa end, as well as curb ramps. So the diamond head side is being redone to facilitate crossing of Makiki.

Q. Now that cars traveling makai on River Street no longer can turn left onto Nimitz Highway, why is there still a traffic signal? The cars going 'ewa-bound on Nimitz tend to back up big-time at that intersection during afternoon traffic. Can't those on River turning right onto Nimitz be addressed with a stop sign?

A. Because the makai end of River Street is not at a 45-degree angle, motorists turning onto Nimitz Highway need to make a wider and slower turn, said state Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa. That could be difficult for larger vehicles without entering into the next lanes, he said. Also, the volume of traffic at the intersection requires that right turns be controlled with a traffic signal, Ishikawa said, noting that motorists were barred from making right turns on red from River even before the modifications that prohibited left turns.

Q. I would like to suggest that abandoned vehicle reports be accepted online. I always forget to call the city during the day but if I could reach them online when I get home that would help.

A. You may report abandoned vehicles or problems about matters under city jurisdiction by visiting the following link and completing the Problem Report form, said city spokeswoman Carol Costa. These reports are forwarded to the proper department for appropriate action on the next business day. The form is available at: www4.co.honolulu.hi.us/cityhallonline. You can also e-mail a message to fixit@co.honolulu.hi.us.

If you have questions involving bureaucratic red tape, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster one of three ways:

• Write to:

The Bureaucracy Buster,
The Honolulu Advertiser,
605 Kapi'olani Boulevard,
Honolulu, HI 96813.

• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.

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