06-03-2008, 03:49 PM
Hi Rob,
You actually pose a difficult question as the answer to that pole situation may not be as clear-cut and simple as you have postulated. In my brief research into the subject I have discovered, pending confirmation, that the utility poles are supported by telephone lines only.
Those poles may be in a non-conforming location becasue they are installed in a non-conforming road ROW.
Even if the County had a valid case for relocation of the poles it is not clear that there are any feasible options for the telephone company.
They would have to seek an easement from the adjoining property landowner, which may not be successful.
As we all know, the roads in that area are very narrow and were laid out many decades ago, at the time when no one could have conceived that there would ever have been so much development and so much traffic in the area.
I'm sure it's frustrating, but it is important and fair to all that all due process is followed in such matters.
As a first step, it is important to discuss the matter with the County Public Works Department so as to uncover all the pertinent facts that are relevant to the proposed road improvements.
There may be significant land issues or engineering problems related to this area. I would sugest, if possible, that all the key stakeholders get together and fashion a solution that is acceptable to all.
Might I just add that I have had brief dealings with Bruce McClure when I served as the vice chair of the County's Cost of Government Commission and "lazy and obstinate" are not adjectives I would associate with him.
Insight into this subject was provided to me by engineers at HELCO who pointed out that projects that seem to be "the simplest" to a non-engineer can actually be quite complex.
As your next elected county coucilman I would be happy to work with you and the "Friends of Puna" in finding a solution to this problem.
Aloha, Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph
You actually pose a difficult question as the answer to that pole situation may not be as clear-cut and simple as you have postulated. In my brief research into the subject I have discovered, pending confirmation, that the utility poles are supported by telephone lines only.
Those poles may be in a non-conforming location becasue they are installed in a non-conforming road ROW.
Even if the County had a valid case for relocation of the poles it is not clear that there are any feasible options for the telephone company.
They would have to seek an easement from the adjoining property landowner, which may not be successful.
As we all know, the roads in that area are very narrow and were laid out many decades ago, at the time when no one could have conceived that there would ever have been so much development and so much traffic in the area.
I'm sure it's frustrating, but it is important and fair to all that all due process is followed in such matters.
As a first step, it is important to discuss the matter with the County Public Works Department so as to uncover all the pertinent facts that are relevant to the proposed road improvements.
There may be significant land issues or engineering problems related to this area. I would sugest, if possible, that all the key stakeholders get together and fashion a solution that is acceptable to all.
Might I just add that I have had brief dealings with Bruce McClure when I served as the vice chair of the County's Cost of Government Commission and "lazy and obstinate" are not adjectives I would associate with him.
Insight into this subject was provided to me by engineers at HELCO who pointed out that projects that seem to be "the simplest" to a non-engineer can actually be quite complex.
As your next elected county coucilman I would be happy to work with you and the "Friends of Puna" in finding a solution to this problem.
Aloha, Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph