I was hiking in Diamond Head Crater one recent Sunday and noticed a woman and a guy at a table with a rack of T-shirts. I thought the City Council banned T-shirt vendors from the crater? If so, why are they there? State regulates vendors
in crater through permitsWhat you are referring to is a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last December, which allowed the city to crack down on T-shirt vendors in Waikiki and Hanauma Bay, and the state in Diamond Head Crater.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources now requires a two-week permit -- issued only to one vendor at a time -- for people to set up a table and sell literature with a philosophical, ideological, political or religious message.
"They are not supposed to be selling T-shirts," said state Parks Administrator Ralston Nagata. But, based on discussions with the state attorney general, his office allows permit holders to display T-shirts and take purchase orders.
No money or shirts are to be exchanged on site, Nagata said.
The free permits are required only for those who want to set up a table. Others may peddle brochures by just walking around.
If no one else is interested, the permits can be extended two weeks at a time. So far, three to four different vendors have been applying, Nagata said.
The permit is good during the hours the crater is open to the public, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
People periodically complain about the vendors, Nagata said, and "enforcement staff is monitoring the situation."
But he said the permit system has reduced the number of vendors considerably. In the past, as many as three dozen set up in the crater at any given time, he said.
If you see a violation of the rules, call 587-0076.
I noticed Washington Place will be open for tours again. When we tried to get in last year, the lines were too long for my wife, who's in a wheelchair. Can they open up earlier for the handicapped to get through first?
It won't open earlier, but people in wheelchairs or crutches can enter through a separate line, said Kathleen Racuya-Markrich, the governor's spokeswoman.
There is a ramp into Washington Place from the driveway entrance nearest St. Andrew's Priory. Just go to that entrance.
Gov. Ben Cayetano and first lady Vicky Cayetano are hosting a tree-lighting and open house tomorrow beginning at 6 p.m.
My neighbor put up security lights that are on all night, shining into our bedroom windows. It is almost like daylight! I understand his need for security lights; we have a terrible crime problem in our neighborhood. My husband asked him to focus the light away from our windows, but I guess he couldn't because he is a nice guy. Is there any law about light pollution? This light is many times brighter than street lights. I hate to hang heavy curtains during the hot summer months.
Both the state Department of Health and the city Building Department said they know of no such government regulation.
Maybe your neighbor will see this and try to make some adjustments. Another alternative is to contact the Neighborhood Justice Center, which mediates disputes. However, your neighbor has to be willing to participate. Call 521-6767.
Auwe
To the Aloha Stadium for imposing new rules this UH football season. We've been going to the games for over 20 years and have never had to be subjected to a bag search until this year. One game day, they were even driving around in carts telling children they could not throw Nerf footballs in the parking lot. What's up? It seems the stadium is trying to harass and discourage the few people who do show up to support the team. Make the rules and regulations clear before the season starts. Maybe people will think twice before renewing season tickets!
