Dear Troubleshooter:

Residents of our subdivision have been troubled for years by poor line of sight when trying to turn onto a main road to leave our community. The obstruction is caused by a stone wall built by the owner of a property on a corner property. So instead of being able to see up the road for oncoming traffic from behind the stop line, we have to slowly edge our way into the oncoming lane in order to determine whether or not it is safe to proceed. That also creates a hazard for those who are trying to turn left into our subdivision. Why was this wall allowed to be built in this location and what do we have to do to make this a safer intersection and not put our families in danger when we try to leave our community?

Scared to proceed

Aloha Scared,

The County of Hawaii has received many complaints about this particular situation, which was heightened by a narrow thoroughfare on a curve and utility poles, which contributed to the reduced line of sight. The wall, which was very attractive and included planters, was nevertheless built without permits, and so our Traffic Division could not have commented on this structure as not in the best interest of the community.

Following the flurry of complaints, Public Works sent out an inspector who determined it to be in violation. The owner of the property could not be contacted in person, and was notified by mail that he must take down the wall. However, the owner did not respond or comply with the order. After further follow up by our inspector, it was discovered that the owner was in no position to pay for the removal of the obstruction being that he was very ill, out of work and unable to keep up with his mortgage.

Unfortunately, for the residents of this subdivision, this delayed any action to improve the safety at the intersection. But because of their cooperation and safe driving, no serious incidents occurred there. During this time, and rather than trying to apply pressure on a homeowner who was sick and didn’t have the money to make the necessary adjustments, the county considered a number of other options, including the organization of a community work day to tear down this wall and replace it with something that was legal.

However, it never got that far. The owner of the home decided to sell the property, and following that, the new owner was informed of the violation and was happy to comply with the order. He pulled down the portion of the wall that was blocking the line of sight, applied for permits to make the rest of the wall legal and increased safety at the intersection. While the relocation of the utility poles would add additional line of sight for motorists who pass through this intersection, the residents of your subdivision have commented to the Public Works inspector that the removal of the wall has made it so much easier to make turns onto the major thoroughfare.

The county will certainly keep an eye on this situation and work with the utility company to relocate these poles so we may further increase safety for the residents of this subdivision.

Troubleshooter items are taken from complaints made to county departments and the office of Mayor Billy Kenoi. To make a complaint, call 961-8223.