The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1868-05-16


the width ought not to be less than ten feet, so
that carts can use il when necessary.
Through other sections, where it can be more
easily made. the width should be from ten to
twenty feet. Mr.. Martins work has been well
done, and the road is as straight for miles and al
most as level as a railroad. We felt, as we rode
over it's smooth, well-graded and sodded surface,
ut a pace of not less than six miles an hour. that
the man who can construct such a road as that,
may safely be entrusted with the road superinteii-
dance throughout that island. No one can ride
over it without admiring his skill.
From Kapua (twenty-seven miles south of he
alakekua) to Kalaoa (twenty-eight miles north of
Kcalakekua) a total distance of fifty miles, the
road runs through a fine belt of mountain country,
frequently through beautiful groves of koa, tn
tut, ohia and breadfruit trees, where orange and
coffee trees are abundant. and where grass grows
spontaneously from one tn two feet high. leaving
the inference that all the hay required in Honolu-
la might he gathered here. Though stony, and in
some places exceedingly 50, frait trees and cane
thrive everywhere. In riding along, one alternate
ly sees groves of mammoth banana, orange and
coffee trees. intermingled with cotton. ava, sweet
and Irish potatoes, taro, &c. On every side the
richest tropical luxuriance exists.
Through this district Il good broad cart road
should be built, and a liberal appropriation made
for it. Ii cannot be finished in two years, but n
beginning should be mode. People will never To-
cate in this fine but secluded district until the
roads are improved. Not long ago three robust
farmers came here from California to locate, hay
ing n little capital each, who wished to settle on
Hawaii, and make for themselves n home in our
mild climate. They visited that island, Travelled
through Mona, saw the beautiful country and the
bad roads, and returned Disguised with the idea
of locating in n country where they could not get
their lumber, timber and produce TO market with
out more expense than il was worth. Their exre-
rience is that of hundreds who come here with
more or less capital, and with the intention of
settling down.
Between Kealakekua and Kailua the roads are
better than in the remaining portion of the sec
ton referred to. AS a natural consequence, the
population has become more dense, and there are
more life and energy displayed in it than in almost
any other part of Hawaii. Everywhere neat farm
houses dot the country, and the evidences of thrift
and industry are seen. The roads even here
might be improved by filling in the ravines, thus
lessening ascents and descents of the hills.
vi NbIiD W hdNdlulc- u ulsldIlCt u INeT-
ty-fye miles, the road leads over several wide
streams of ad and pahOehoe, and is almost impass-
able. \ horse that can travel two miles an hour
over it, makes good time. Probably little or no
improvement has been made in it for the last
twenty-five years. Were each of His Maiesty's
required to travel over these Hawaii
roads once a year, as n part of his official duty,
there would doubtless be some changes seen.
What is needed or Hawaii is this: a good
mountain road around the entire island, not less
than ten nor more than twenty feet wide. Such
n rad with branches to the seapOrts, would open
up a rich section of forest and farm lands, thu:
are now comparatively waste and uninhahiteI.
Ii will cost money-not less than sixty thousand
dollars. But the road once well built, will last
slight annual repairs, for twenty-five years
Or even fifty. Its cost should not be begrudged.
1t is the duty of the nation to provide good roads,
and that island, which is supposed to contribute
10 the exchequer one third OF the revenue, ought
to receive IN return n larger proportion of the ex-
pended funds than she does.
The work should be placed in good hands, and
agents should have nothing to do with
t. No very large appropriation ought to be
made this year, but enough to complete surveys,
nd make a commencement in the construction of
,Dod roads in each district. 1t will take ten years,
It least, to finish the work, and the sooner il is
tine sooner will that island be opened up
. a thriving and Industrious population, and a
ctuTn in the way of increased value of property
nd increased produce be realized, and its forests
f KOa and other timber become ayailablc.