Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, August 19, 1997

To halt game room smoke,
try talking to manager first

I went to Hawaiian Brian's Billiards where there were signs posted all over that said "No Smoking," but lots of people were smoking and nobody was doing anything about it. Who should I complain to?

The drastic step is to call police because they're responsible for enforcing the new indoor workplace smoking ban.

But you have to be willing to stay there until police arrive, identify the smoker, then be prepared to be a witness.

Try talking first to a manager, said Richard Akimoto, Hawaiian Brian's general manager, who acknowledges your complaint.

"We have put up all the signs (as required by the law) and told people what the law is," he said. Announcements also are made periodically over the loudspeaker. Despite that, many people still light up, Akimoto said.

But for the billiards parlor, it often comes down to a business decision: "We cannot throw customers out," he said. "We're trying to run a business. We're trying not to go bankrupt."

Akimoto said the owners, none of whom smoke, have spent more than $10,000 for smoking filters and "our electricity (bill) is up to $10,000 a month" to have better venting.

"We're not trying to be bad citizens," he said. But "I think this law, because it is not a blanket law (for all businesses), is unfair to our business. Why do they pick on us?"

I work for the U.S. Postal Service and have a club card for the Hickam enlisted club. I usually just show a club card at the gate because I don't have a government sticker on my vehicle. One day, I was told at the front gate that I couldn't enter unless I had a sponsor. Why do they let you join the club if you cannot get on base without a sponsor? If I had a sponsor with me every time I went to the club, I wouldn't need a card.

Hickam officials aren't quite sure what the problem is because if you are a member of the club, you should have been able to get a pass to get on base.

First off, the policy is that you must have a vehicle sticker, Department of Defense or other acceptable ID, or be sponsored by someone who does to get in, said Air Force spokesman Lt. Jim Cunningham.

When you joined the club, you would have been asked to fill out a membership form. After that, you should have received a letter to take to the security police, who would have then issued you a pass, Cunningham said.

That pass is supposed to be renewed annually with your membership. If you have any questions or problems, Cunningham suggested you call the club directly.

Auwe

To the six surfers drinking beer in the surf at Dukes in Waikiki on July 19. Your actions showed no regard for your safety and 30 other surfers trying to enjoy the waves and evade your cluster in the surf zone. I notified HPD and they will be on the lookout for you.

Mahalo

To Wanda of the Post Office, who found our neighbor's wallet with money lying next to it. When she couldn't find our neighbor, she asked us to return it. We were very impressed with her honesty and persistence. - Makiki couple

Auwe

To the woman in the dark green van at Borders Waikele on July 20th. We had been circling the lot for 10 minutes before finding one, put on the blinker and were ready to pull in when you just drove in and stole it from us. When I explained to you politely, you refused to reverse and do what was right. You set a very bad example for your daughter. - A.C.P. and A.S.P.

Mahalo

To whoever is responsible for the new bus stop bench at Niolopua Place and Pali Highway.