Q. Why are there still those deep potholes in the right lane of the Kailua-bound Pali tunnels? They have been there so long that drivers actually change lanes just before they reach that section of highway.

A. State Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said that state crews are still backed up on a lot of roadwork because of the earlier asphalt shortage.

Ishikawa said that stretch of road has been identified as a problem.

He said it has been patched in the past and the state will send out a crew again to check on a short-term fix.

But Ishikawa said the state wants to schedule more long-term repairs with a visit from the crew that does short-stretch paving, which varies from 50 feet to as long as a mile. He had hoped that could be done by year's end.

But Ishikawa this week said the work on the Pali potholes probably will start early next year.

POTHOLE REPORTING TIPS

On a city street: The city Web sites allow you to report potholes at www.honolulu.gov/csd. The site also can be reached from the city government home page at www.honolulu.gov. Or call 527-6006, the city's pothole hot line.

On a state road or highway: Call the state pothole hot line at 536-7852.

State roads include Kalaniana'ole Highway, Kahekili Highway, H-1, H-2 or H-3 freeways, Pali Highway, Likelike Highway, Nimitz Highway and Ala Moana.

Damage claims: If you believe your car has suffered damage because of a pothole on a state road, you can get information on filing a claim at 831-6703.

To file a claim, call the Department of the Corporation Counsel at 523-4639 to request a form.

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