Voice of Stephanie Salazar

Ka’u Council member Brittany Smart told the Ka’u Calendar recently that she is looking into the possibility of using crumbled tires as an additive to asphalt for paving roads.

Smart said putting the bits of tires into the pavement makes it more flexible and able to absorb earthquakes without cracking. She said she is looking into the cost of shredding tires and the machinery that would be needed to add tires to pavement.

Smart’s district, much like Puna, has a great number of private roadways, especially in the Ocean View area. Finding creative, cost saving ways to maintain the roads – which do not fall under county jurisdiction – is a priority for the Ka’u councilwoman.