Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Saturday, November 1, 1997

Permission is required
for ‘special events’ signs

I've noticed big banner signs for soccer registration periodically hanging between the coconut trees at Maunalua Bay. Recently, I've seen what looks like a commercial sign promoting gymnastics classes. Are these allowed?

The gym class sign was not authorized and was removed, a Department of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman said following your query.

But the same sign was up just a week ago. We asked if a permit had been issued, but a parks permit official said no. The sign was removed again. Such "special events signs" have to be approved by the director of the parks department, which is responsible for the area you cite.

The AYSO soccer group did have a permit.

Rules govern the size, content and display of the signs, including the restriction that they not be up for more than seven consecutive days and be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the property line.

Call the parks Permit Section at 523-4525 for more information or to report a violation.

Months ago, I called (the) abandoned vehicle (department) complaining about a red Honda on Keeaumoku Street. They put a notice on the car, then towed the car in front away! What's the deal?

A car has been parked in the 3300 block of Kaohinani Street without moving since July. Police referred me to abandoned vehicle, but nothing's been done. The car's owner gave an excuse, but that was months ago. How can I have that car removed?

I have made many unsuccessful attempts to get the city to tow away an apparent abandoned Volkswagen Beetle from Loihi Street, near Liula Street, in Kaneohe. It has no current registration or safety check. Why can't something be done?

These complaints reflect the frustration many people have with "abandoned" vehicles. But as David Mau, the city's assistant licensing administrator, has said before, many of these cases are mainly parking problems.

A car may appear abandoned, but if the owner keeps moving it, it can't be cited or towed.

On Keeaumoku Street, two cars were identified as abandoned. But after waiting the mandatory 24 hours after posting a notice, an inspector found that both had been moved.

In the second case, the first investigation on July 8 showed the vehicle "not on location" as reported. A second complaint was received two weeks later -- same car, different address. But after a notice was posted, the vehicle was moved.

Likewise, on Loihi Street, inspectors found no violation in June and July because the vehicle had been moved. When inspectors checked a third complaint in September, the vehicle was "not on location."

KITV interference

KITV-4 General Manager Mike Rosenberg received many similar complaints after a reader said she was getting radio interference over Channel 4. He said the problem was traced to Oceanic Cable, where KITV is on Channel 6. He said to call Oceanic.

Mahalo

To Officers Takahashi and Jung. They changed a flat tire and were professional and reassuring when my 11-month-old boy and I were stranded on the H-1 near Pearlridge on Aug. 28. -- G. Araki

Auwe

To the man in a white Dodge Caravan, who hit our new Subaru in the parking lot of Sam's Club on Sept. 12. Mahalo to Linda, who waited to tell us what you did. Next time, listen to your conscience (if you have one) and leave a note! -- J.H.