16 minute read
Highways
A Commendati on Letter fr om Maui Consti tuent
Mr. Abcede,
I am writing you today to thank you for correcting a problem and, more importantly, I wanted to thank an Individual, Robin Shishido, for doing an excellent job of communication and follow through on what was quickly becoming a dangerous intersection here on Maui.
Back in June 2020, I wrote an email to the County of Maui, only to be referred to the State of Hawaii Offi ce. The intersection was at Makawao Avenue and Haleakala Highway. I received a response from Robin Shishido. The problem was that there was a signal light change at this intersection, and I had witnessed an accident and several near misses, including almost getting hit myself... many times.
Robin, to my surprise, kept in touch with me this entire time letting me know that this issue was going to be analyzed and a solution would be found. I am retired from a well known City in California and thought this would go nowhere.Robin shows a dedication to the job and just excellent customer service, not to mention showing concern for this dangerous intersection. I believe Robin has prevented many future accidents and injuries or worse. I believe Robin’s dedication to this project and problem was second to none.
I want to thank you, but really thank Robin Shishido for not only going above and beyond, but just caring about this situation. So please…Thank Robin for me and from all of us who live UpCountry here on Maui. Robin is the shining example of what a State worker should be like. I hope You reach out to Robin and acknowledge the great work which I am truly grateful for. The State of Hawaii has an excellent person that was able to get this situation corrected.
Mahalo,
Ed Silva Makawao
Highways
Alternati ve Fuel Corridor Status will boost Kauai’s EV Expansion Eff orts By: Alan Yonan
Hawai‘i’ got some good Earth Day news Thursday when offi cials received word that the Federal Highway Administration approved the Kaua‘i Alternative Fuel Corridor, a move that will bring a host of benefi ts to the Garden Island including streamlined access to potential funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Kaua‘i’s designation means all six major islands in Hawai‘i now have alternative fuel corridors, solidifying the state’s commitment to transforming the national transportation outlook and setting a precedent on EV integration. The nomination of the Kaua‘i corridor was coordinated by the Hawai‘i State Energy Offi ce in cooperation with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, the County of Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, the Ulupono Initiative, and the Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawai‘i.
“Ground transportation accounts for nearly one-quarter of Hawai‘i’s energy emissions so eff orts to expand the use of EVs are central to achieving the state’s commitment to a zero- emissions clean economy by 2045,” said Scott Glenn, Hawai‘i’s Chief Energy Offi cer “We were grateful to have such committed and supportive partners for this project that will help reduce petroleum consumption and emissions in the transportation sector,” Glenn added. crucial in encouraging EV adoption and decarbonization of transportation,” said Ed Sniff en Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways. “The approval of the Kauaʻi Alternative Fuel Corridor positions our State’s clean energy partners to improve the infrastructure support of sustainable energy.”
Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami welcomed the federal approval. “Electric vehicles coupled with increased opportunities for walking, biking and transit are at the heart of our county transportation policies.” Kawakami said. “We greatly appreciate the strong partnerships we have to realize these objectives. This federal EV corridor designation is key to moving ahead on needed EV infrastructure for our Island.”
In addition to paving the way for potential EV infrastructure funding, the alternative fuel corridor designation will:
• Help coordinate actions needed to eff ectively identify and deploy EV infrastructure across Kauai County. • Highlight the importance of clean transportation roadways and charging locations. • Facilitate increased coordination between state and local government agencies, Hawaii’s businesses, and social communities; and • Incentivize vehicle dealers to increase
ALTERNATIVE FUEL CORRIDOR from page 16
Highways
EV availability and encourage rental car agencies to add electric vehicles to their fl eet.
The highway segments that make up the alternative fuel corridor are called the “Perimeter Route” running 71.3 miles from Hā‘ena along Highway 560, Highway 56 and Highway 50 through to West Kaua‘i.
The Hawai‘i State Energy Offi ce is committed to continued collaboration with stakeholders including local, state, federal, and international entities to advance the development of DC fast charging infrastructure on Kaua‘i to support the state’s clean energy and climate goals. To achieve those ends, HSEO has committed to allocate up to $50,000 to the deployment of a DC fast charger on Kaua‘i through its role as administrator for the State of Hawaii Volkswagen Settlement funds.
Support from the County of Kaua‘i’ and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative were critical in obtaining the alternative fuel corridor designation. Also key were the backing of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and fi nancial support of the Ulupono Initiative. Consistent with its mission, Ulupono allocated $25,000, or 20 percent of the cost of deployment, for a DC fast charger on Kaua‘i. Hawai‘i has a solid track record of promoting clean transportation. In 2017, the four counties of Hawaii committed to a shared goal of reaching 100 percent renewable ground transportation by 2045. In their proclamations, the County of Kauai, the City and County of Honolulu, and the County of Maui pledged to lead the way by transitioning all of their fl eet vehicles to 100 percent renewable power by 2035.
In 2018, Hawaii created the Zero Emissions Clean Economy Target, which states: “Considering both atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gas emissions as well as off sets from the local sequestration of atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases through long-term sinks and reservoirs, a statewide target is hereby established to sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than emitted within the State as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045.”
In 2020, Hawai‘i joined with 14 other states and the District of Columbia as signatory states to the Multi-State Medium- and HeavyDuty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding which, among other things, is an agreement to strive to make sales of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in their jurisdictions zero-emission vehicles by no later than 2050.
Highways
Highways welcomes Engineer IV Bruce McClure
Q: Could you tell us
about yourself?
First, I wanted to let everybody know that I am not the Bruce McClure from the Big Island. I have to laugh about it because I have received so many phone calls and emails over more than 10 years from so many people welcoming me to Oahu and who are glad to see their old friend on board. Once I went through Hilo airport and had two TSA agents and a vendor ask me in a fi ve-minute span if I was the son of their Bruce McClure or at least related. As far as I know, the other Bruce McClure has been comfortably retired for at least 5-10 years now.
As for me, I was a military child born at Tripler. I left at three years old. I always wanted to come back and bring my wife with me. It started with some vacations to Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. Then we moved to Hawaii for thirteen years. We totally loved it. In 2019 we had to move back to California for family reasons. After a couple years, I was able to come back to the islands I love. a s ti T s w fo b th E w a a jo I to a e P
Q: Who is the person that has infl uenced
you the most in your career?
While I have had many great engineering mentors throughout my career, the person who has infl uenced me the most will always be my wife, Jasmine. She has encouraged me to continue to do my best at all my jobs, she has listened to me when I needed her, and she supported me in everything I do.
Q: What are 3 things that you love to do?
Q: What aspect of your new job at DOT-
HWY’s are you most excited about?
I started my career doing design work for Washington State DOT back in 2001 helping to design a freeway extension that should fi nally start construction in a couple of years. Then I moved to a construction offi ce for a short while. After that I worked for DPP as a commercial building plans examiner. I then joined DOT-AIR in Engineering Maintenance where I managed projects at most of the states fi fteen airports. Now that I have joined Highways Planning, I feel that I have come back to my roots. I am excited about putting my various experiences to work in the Planning Section.
I love to go to the beach, to swim and to snorkel. When I left Hawaii for a couple years, I came to realize that I really missed it and it was one of the main reasons I came back.
Nicholas Groves Joins HWY-DB
Highways
Welcome to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Nicholas Groves, Highways Division’s Structural Engineer V, Design Unit B Supervisor for Highways Bridge Design (HWY-DB)!
Nicholas obtained his structural engineering degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2012 and has been a licensed structural engineer since 2017. His background includes steel construction, structural design, bridge inspection, and most recently, program management. Prior to joining Highways, Nicholas was at Airports in the Engineering Programs Management Offi ce where he managed the Airline Concurrence Program and developed the project defi nition reports’ standard for Capital Improvement Program projects.
d
7. l
n,
Q: What are you looking forward to in your
new position at the DOT?
I’m looking forward to applying nearly all of the skills and knowledge I have developed over the years to serve the public, through my new position. From supporting a wide range of in-house structural designs to managing the State’s bridge asset management program, I will be tapping into both my technical and management background.
yea thro Fro ran tur ing ass gra int an gr
Q: What aspects of Q
your job are you exyo cited about? ci
There’s actually a lot that I am excited about but I am most excited about working with my Unit B team. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of them. T th but I am most excited abo
3. What do you do on your weekends for
fun?
I enjoy reading, being outside, and spending time with family, which is easier now that I recently moved to Ho’opili.
Highways
Kawamoto Becomes Full-Time Highways Employee
Owen Kawamoto
has recently become a full-time employee with the Highways Division although he has been working at the HDOT since 2013 as an 89-day hire. He has a lot of experience helping out at diff erent offi ces and we are fortunate that he is a part our HDOT ‘Ohana. Here is Owen’s story: I have been working for HDOT since 2013 as an 89-day hire. During this time period, I worked in the Contracts Offi ce (2013 -2016) and in the Highways Technical Design Services branch (2017 – 2021). I retired from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility at the end of 2012 after 30 years. I also retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve after 29 years as a Captain in 2005. My family has a history with HDOT as my father retired from the Harbors Division
O and my sister recently retired from the K Highways Division. In addition, I have h several other relatives working in the b Highways Division, including my daughter. f I also, spent two summers during college p working at the Harbors Division as a t summer hire. w a h w t s a h a r ing out at different offices and we ar Q: What aspect of your new job at DOT-
HWY’s are you most excited about?
I am excited about being able to support the other Highway’s Branches to ensure any innovative change is identifi ed and incorporated into the Specifi cations that will be utilized for their projects.
Q: Who is the person that has infl uenced you
the most in your career?
In my Navy career, a friend whom I met on my fi rst ship, was extremely knowledgeable, and his leadership ability was a blueprint for me to follow. At the Shipyard, there were two supervisors who were calm and decisive leaders and were always supportive of their subordinates, extremely knowledgeable in their areas, and fl exible in taking on new challenges.
Q: What are 3 things that you love to do?
1. Watching and playing with my granddaughter, who will be one-year old in May. 2. Traveling overseas and to the mainland. 3. Working in the yard and growing fruits and vegetables.
Highways
E Komo Mai, Leimomi Cachola, Offi ce Assistant III
Q: Could you tell us about yourself?
Well, I’ll start off by saying that I was born and raised on the island on Maui and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of the State’s Department of Transportation.
Before the pandemic, I worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years in the housekeeping and maintenance department. There, I learned lots of patience, how to deal with complaints, and why Maui truly is No Ka ‘Oi ! During the pandemic, I was able to be a stay at home mom for a little and make up for lost time with my family, I also added “home school teacher to my resume.” I’m blessed to be a part of the HDOT ‘Ohana and I’m excited to see where the future takes me on this journey. Q: Who is the per-
son that has infl uenced you the most in your career?
The person who has infl uenced me the most is my mother. She has taught me hard work, honesty, dedication, and what it truly means to go above and beyond to do our part in serving our community. ost s andwhatittrulymeansto
Q: What aspect of your new job at HDOT-
HWY’s are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about learning the new innovative development of our state highways and working with knowledgeable and friendly staff .
Q: What are 3 things that you love to do? I love spending time with my children, working out, and relaxing at the beach.
g Meet Purchasing Technician Vanessa Tablit
Q: What aspect Q
of your new job of at DOT-HWY’s are at you most excited yo about? ab
So far, I’m most So excited about the exc people I work with. peo Everyone has great Eve things to say about thin The State and I’m The excited to be a part excit of this team. of th Q: Who is the person that has infl uenced you
the most in your career?
My greatest infl uence have been my sons, they have given me the drive and determination to always do my best and strive for success.
Q: What are 3 things that you love to do?
I love spending time with my family (mostly my mo’opuna), watching sunrises and sunsets, and crafting.
Highways
Buckle Up Hawaii!
Click It or Ticket is from May 17th through June 6th this year. Although Hawaii’s seat belt and child passenger seat laws are being enforced year-round, you will likely see more of your county law enforcement on the roadways as a part of Click It or Ticket.
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Wearing a seat belt increases your chance of surviving a fatal motor vehicle crash by 45 percent.
According to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration, the consequences of not wearing, or improperly wearing, a seat belt are clear:
• Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.
• Air bags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an air bag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.
• Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your children at risk in a crash.
• The benefi ts of buckling up are equally clear: o If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of: - Fatal injury by 45% - Moderate to critical injury by 50% o If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of: - Fatal injury by 60% - Moderate to critical injury by 65%
Hawaii has one of the highest seat belt usage rates in the nation, at more that 90 percent for the last decade. But there is still more work to be done to save lives. Of the 42 passenger vehicle fatalities in 2020, 13 were unrestrained. That’s thirteen more lives that could have been saved by seat belt use.
The fi ne for unrestrained occupants on Oahu, Hawaii and Maui is $102, and the fi ne on Kauai is $112. Drivers will receive one citation for every unrestrained occupant in the vehicle. Violators convicted of the child passenger restraint law are required to attend a four-hour class and be assessed a fi ne between $100 and $500, depending on the number of convictions.
Hawaii’s Child Passenger Restraint law requires children under 4 years of age to ride in a child safety seat. The law also requires children 4 through 7 years old to ride in a child restraint or booster seat.
Save lives and money. Always wear your seat belt and ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled in.
Information on how seat belt safety and statistics can be found at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/seat-belts
Information on how to safely restrain children in a motor vehicle can be found at: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safe-communites/child-pas-
By: Lee Nagano
