Fix the roads
Why are roads so terrible on the Big Island? There are potholes everywhere that are big enough to do damage to vehicles.
Taxpaying citizens use these roads every day, whether it’s to go to work or a daily trip to the store.
I understand there are many factors in Hawaii, such as weather and budgets. I think it’s the officials in office who have the responsibility to create solutions for the corrective action.
As a mechanic, I can tell you firsthand that the poor condition of the roads your vehicle drives on can do very significant damage to your vehicle. Automobiles are only getting more and more expensive and time-consuming to fix.
We are also dependent on technology and computers in repairing cars. Labor prices are going up because its takes more than just basic knowledge to fix these vehicles so rates go up, and parts usually cost less than the labor.
These roads aren’t safe to drive on. Small, short, consistent ripples on roads cause vehicles to shift from side to side and slide when driving, especially lightweight vehicles. Excessive vibrations can wear out parts in a vehicle, such as shocks, struts, leaf springs, rubber bushings, etc. Also, tires can wear out very fast because of poor driving conditions. Tires also are very, very expensive and almost impossible to get rid of without paying some ridiculous price.
My other concern with our poor roads is why efforts to pave our roads is never completed, and it seems that it is always a temporary fix.
It would benefit everyone if the county and state could combine their efforts and fix roads completely instead of constantly patching here and there and making us wait another two years for the next 3 miles to get paved when it could’ve been done the same time while all the workers and equipment were there.
I want the roads fixed so people can be safe and save money and time. This is a serious issue, and keeping our roads safe will greatly help our community.
Kore-Tresin Ohumukini
Hilo
Tale of two mayors
The protesters at the Kahuku wind farms were arrested for breaking the law by illegally obstructing the construction there.
The protesters at the Maunakea Access Road are breaking the law by illegally obstructing the Thirty Meter Telescope from the mountain.
The protesters are breaking the law and should be arrested.
Mayor Harry Kim is running for reelection, so he’s playing it safe by staying neutral.
Thomas Higashida
Hilo