Ironman road closures were a nightmare
Ironman road closures were a nightmare. A concierge told my friend attending a conference at the Hilton Waikoloa Village that there would be no problem getting to the Mauna Lani in the afternoon on race day. Security staff at the Mauna Lani had zero information. I got to the north end of Queen Kaahumanu Highway a little before 3:30 p.m. and was told by a policeman I could proceed to the Mauna Lani right then, and that my friend at the Hilton could do likewise. She was first told no, but then pointed to a back road that would work.
I was stopped at the Mauna Kea Resort entrance by a policeman who said I could go no further, but when I told him what the other officer had said, he told me to go ahead to the officer at Puako Beach Drive. That officer, holding back a long line of cars wanting to enter the highway, said I could not go, but called in to double check. He came back and said that no one could go south until the last bike rider had come through. I gather that’s only true until 5:30 p.m., but he didn’t say that.
I had been passing training cyclists on the highway for a week or two, but now all the Akoni Pule and Queen Kaahumanu traffic was supposed to wait for the last cyclist to come through? Well, maybe I can see a rationale for that … but at least all the sources should coordinate their information.
Get it together, West Hawaii.
Kelly Pomeroy
Kawaihae
Mahalo for help on Saddle Road
On Oct. 15, I had a flat tire on the Hilo side of the Saddle Road. My cellphone was out of range to call my road service supplier so I attempted to change it myself. My jack would not work, so here I was stuck in the rain with help needed. My thoughts and prayers were answered by “Mike,” a big guy in a blue van. He put out emergency reflectors, donned a safety vest and proceeded to help me change the tire. Mike would not accept any money, so I thanked him and we parted company.
Should Mike read this or anyone who knows him please tell him I really appreciated his help.
L. Cardoza
Keauhou