Question: What is the target completion date of the H-1 Freeway widening project by the Gulick Avenue Overpass and are there plans to widen the overpass? It seems that traffic still will be constricted at the overpass unless it is also widened.
Answer: The expected completion date of the H-1 eastbound improvements between Ola Lane and the Likelike Highway off-ramp is Fall 2027 and, yes, the Gulick Avenue Overpass is being modified to allow the widening of the freeway, said Shelly Kunishige, a spokesperson for Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.
“The project will improve safety by eliminating a merge on the eastbound H-1. The modifications to the Gulick Avenue Overpass will include lengthening the existing bridge and moving the abutments. This will also allow for removal of the soffit under the bridge, which will raise the vertical clearance by 6 inches (currently the clearance is 14.2 feet on the eastbound side),” she said in an email Tuesday.
Read more about this project at h1widening.com/, which explains that the overpass improvements will include extending the abutments on either side of the roadway by about 15.5 feet.
Q: With the new HNL 311 app, can we still report anonymously?
A: Yes, although the city encourages “users to provide contact information as it will better assist in resolving the issue and completing the service.” Also, if you submit a service request anonymously without logging in, you won’t receive email notifications updating you on the progress of your request, according to the city.
The HNL 311 digital system allows users to report problems via the HNL 311 website or mobile app (download the app from the App Store or Google Play, depending on which is compatible with your mobile device).
Everything from abandoned vehicles to damaged sidewalks to water ponding on a road can be reported, with the electronic submission going straight to the department responsible for fixing the problem.
To answer another reader’s question, no, you don’t call 311 on the telephone; it’s a digital service.
Auwe
Please warn people who plan to mail Christmas gifts to Japan or Canada that the recipient may have to pay duties, taxes and fees to get the package! I have been mailing small gifts to friends and family members in Japan and Canada for years and this is the first time this has happened. The U.S. Postal Service estimated the extra “landed costs” but I wasn’t allowed to pay them — the recipient has to pay it on their end. I decided not to mail them — it would be rude to send gifts they have to pay to receive! — A reader
(Editor’s note: Packages that could be sent to those countries duty-free last holiday season may be subject to custom taxes and other fees this year because of the United States’ new trade policies, which prompted other countries to change their own tariff and duty policies. Some shippers may allow the sender to pay the estimated landed costs, so check around for other options before giving up on getting your packages delivered at no cost to the recipients.)
Mahalo
This handicapped senior citizen had a fall on Thanksgiving Day. Working on his computer, one of his last remaining joys (times change), he reached to his printer, slid off the chair and fell. Elderly body, in his high 80s — no can get up. Nearby slender wife not strong enough to lift. She calls 911. Quick response, “Need ambulance?” “No.” “Will connect you.” Fire Department comes on quickly, “What’s your address?” “We are on the way.” Whoa. “We are.” Within 10 minutes the whole team shows up. Two experts (Russ and Thomas) grab under my arms and lift me up, just like lifting a sick dog off the pavement. A big, sincere Mahalo for the effectiveness of our 911 program. — G. H., Nuuanu
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813; call 808-529-4773; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
