Dear Troubleshooter,

Can anything be done about the incessant and extremely dangerous speeding that goes on in the Volcano area? I drive home at night after a long day on the night shift and often come upon these kids who are racing up and down Highway 19. They seem to know, like we all do, that the police are changing shifts at that time every night, and so they blatantly wreak havoc without any fear of being caught. Although I try to do my best to avoid being killed by these drivers, I am terrified and intimidated by them. Please help before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Signed

Nervous Wreck

Aloha Nervous,

Mahalo for your heads up on this problem. The police do their best to cover this huge district and island, but as we all know, they cannot be everywhere all the time. Your concern is echoed by many people who live or drive through areas conducive to outlaw racing. At times, these races are organized, with lookouts who will contact the racers to break up long before the police can get there. Other times they are spontaneous. So police must rely on the public to be their eyes and ears.

In response to your call, the community policing officer was alerted about this problem through the straight-away between Glenwood and Volcano. They will be making additional checks of the area during the evening and early morning shifts. Also, the Traffic Enforcement Unit will be notified.

The police appreciate any call reporting illegal activity. Even if the report does not amount to an arrest, they will note it, and if they see a pattern, they can address it. Should anyone see illegal activities taking place, call the police dispatch number at 935-3311.

Callers do not have to leave their name, although it is a good thing to do so if there needs to be some sort of follow-up on the call.

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