The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1874-10-07
Communicated
LiIiha Street and ITS COndi1ion.

Mr.. EDITOR Il am not accustomed to writing
for newspaper, nor know much of its effects
but believe, and have heard, that word or two
said through its columns often acts as an anti
dote. The matter to which would publicly call
the attention of the officer, to whose Office such
work belongs is the apparent neglect which a
portion of the city people are subjected to
through the negligence and seeming partiality in
which the repairs of our streets are carried on.
The street in which neglect appears very np-
parent, not only 10 those who live on it but to
others who have travelled on it. when travelling
was possible, is Liliha Street. So well known is
its condition. that it may appear almost unneces-
sary to speak of it. except for the purpose have
stated, I, e., with tie hope of bringing about a
cure, a change fr m W at it is to something bet
ter. This street, though not all that it should be-
is tolerabiy passable during part of the year.
but in the wet season it is horrid it is an eve.
sore to citizens snd to strangers and it should be
to those whose duty it is to make it other than
what it is.
Perhaps | could not better convey a correct
idea Of the condition of Liliha Street than to men.
ton few circumstances that have happened in
this portion of the town: l have seen two draws
carrying household goOds,-not heavy loads
either,-obliged to turn around after going
short distance up this street, and go by way Of
King, Nuuanu and Judd streets. hoping by the
incline from the latter to reach their destination,
thus proving in this instance, the trnth Of the
adage " that the longest way round, is the short.
est way home" l have seen the late Captain
Tate, with shoes in hand and pants rolled knee
high, sgnally fail to reach his family by the road
and was obliged to go across-lots and as he made
his way along, cycling the road suspiciously, when
compelled to approach it, and evidently fearing
would be inextricably stuck. also observed an.
other instance,-a clear case of pilikia,-in which
the principal actor thought he was totally swamped,
and doubt not the road supervisor would have felt
very much as he did if placed in the same predica.
ment early one morning, after heavy spell of rain
native was picking bis way carrying couple oIbun.
dies of hay, when, stepping on some hard substance
sufficiently covered with the soapy clav of which
the road is principally made, the poor man slipped
and fell into one OF those beautifully soft spots
where be lay struggling like person in bed of
quicksand, and not until be had cxtricaed himself
from his load could the unfortunate man recover
himself Several mishaps have also happened to
carriages from the very poor state of the road
Under these circumstances l think, little of the
lavished on King and Nuuanu,
and other streets, whose condition at its worst may
compare favorably with Liliha at its best, might
reasonably be expended here.
While other streets have received the benefit of
The general appropriation for roads, Liliha Street
las been uncared for since it was first opened, ex-
,epting once, if mistake not, and that was by |
special appropriation OF the Legislature Had the |
money then set apart for its Improvement been judi
,ously used, have doubt that this street at the
,resentday would be available uBderall conditions
If the weather as any other in the city The sum
# 2OOO' which was the amount appropriated, was
artly spent for that purpose: 81 $50 was paid Mr.
holland for grading the street $500 of this amount
e was known to have said was clear profD, and as
ssuming that 500 more was spent for plank
ridge rtwo, there still remained balance OF $3.50
his last amount, am told by reliable parties, was
aid for piece of coral stone ground, (Which per-
ms can readily see is nearly at the foot OF Lilha
reet), che stones from-whieh have been used for
her localities
To those wishing TO test some of the defects emu.
e rated of this street, l would recommend them to
kc walk on it day OF two after good softening
over, and / am sure they will verify the condi-
IN of Liiha Street as 1 have stated.
In closing, let me say, that as a Hawaiian, it is no
sy matter to gather information as regards "lIlne
ies . from officials, for that reason l might be
rdoned Tor quoting from outside parties.
LEAKAHELE.
Honolulu, October 9th, 1874