Q: When is the city having its next disposal of old paint and paint thinners? I believe it's done once a year. Here’s how to dispose
of old paint and thinnersA: The state used to have such a program, but three years ago, it transferred the collection part of that effort to the city, said John Lee, assistant chief of the city Division of Refuse Collection and Disposal.
The joint state-city effort was held once. Plans were to make it a regular program, but while the city set aside money for pickup, the Legislature failed to appropriate state funds for disposal, so it was scrapped.
But don't despair. Call 523-4774 and you will be helped.
The advice is to dry out nontoxic liquid, such as paint, with clean sawdust or shredded paper, or to pop the lid and let the air get at it.
Once it's dried, just toss it out with the regular trash, Lee said. "The main thing is we don't want containers of liquid breaking open in the trucks, then leaking onto the roadway," he said.
For hazardous wastes, the city has a contract with private companies for disposal. "We will make an appointment for someone who wants to get rid of, say, paint thinners or kerosene solvents," Lee said. The city picks up the tab on behalf of taxpayers.
There's hope for victims awarded restitution in criminal cases, said Dennis Dunn, director of the Honolulu Prosecutor's Victims Witness Assistance Division. Restitution update
Recently, on a complaint about uncollected restitution, Kokua Line quoted a Hawaii Paroling Authority official saying it was difficult to get parolees to make full payment because once their sentence ended, restitution ended.
However, Dunn said two recent developments will allow the state attorney general's office to seek payment of restitution: The Legislature passed a law allowing the attorney general to seek recovery of fines not paid by defendants. Then, in September, the state Supreme Court said in a ruling that restitution could be put into the same category as fines.
"This decision makes it clear that under the new statute, the A.G. could seek collection of restitution," Dunn said.
If you have further questions, call Dunn at 527-6440.
Potted plants and artificial flowers may be placed at grave sites at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, beginning tomorrow, for the holidays. They will be removed Dec. 31. All prematurely placed items will be removed, according to officials. Punchbowl memorials
Not allowed: Christmas trees, permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, glass objects or any commemorative items, including toys/stuffed animals. Nothing may be secured to headstones or markers.
"To Luke, who helped me and my walker to get down to my car, which was parked on the lower level near Sears Ala Moana. I asked him for assistance and he graciously helped this old lady." Mahalo
"To Kwong On store in Kaimuki. After I lost my drivers license, it miraculously appeared in the mail in a plain white envelope with the store's address written on the back." - S.D. Mahalo
"To Starbucks Coffee for having a private party to celebrate its grand opening on Dec. 11. It was poor practice to have it during the day with the general public passing by but not invited." Auwe
"To the nice woman who found my wallet at Liberty House. I didn't get her name. She couldn't find my telephone number but got my address and came to my house to return my wallet." - A.O. Mahalo