Why is there an incomplete sidewalk around Nanakuli High School? Nanakuli Avenue is one of the main roadways in and out of Nanakuli Valley and it's so unsafe for kids to have to walk on the shoulder. Also, I'm in a wheelchair and live near the school. If I wanted to go there for night classes, it's difficult to get there in my wheelchair. Can you help? City sidewalks must be
wheelchair accessibleThe city is "going through a transition assessment" of its sidewalks and curbings to make sure it is in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, said George Souza, complaints officer with the city Office of Information and Complaint.
Call Nick Kakaroukas, the city's ADA coordinator, at 523-4745, to make sure that area is put on the list of areas to check, he said.
In May, a federal judge approved a consent decree in which the city had 21 months to devise a plan to make city streets and sidewalks accessible to people in wheelchairs. That was prompted by a lawsuit filed a year ago by James McConnell and Mark Edwards, alleging that the city did not make its streets and sidewalks accessible to the handicapped.
The suit was dismissed but replaced by the consent decree, which required the city to develop a plan, hire a consultant, establish a grievance procedure and make corrections within six years after a transition plan is completed.
When will I get my VIP tickets to the Rolling Stones concert? I mailed a check in to Tom Moffatt Productions the day after it was announced that they were available. It's been two months and I still haven't gotten anything. Other people have gotten their tickets.
Just be patient a while longer.
None of the VIP tickets have been mailed out. The hitch has been gathering all the items that are part of the pricey $250 VIP package, a woman in the Moffatt Productions office said. Besides premium seating, VIP ticket-holders get such things as a laminated keepsake pass and T-shirt.
The tickets could be going out as early as next week. If you have questions, call 593-8333.
Where can I get information about hiking up Diamond Head? A relative who will be visiting in mid-December likes to hike. I suggested Diamond Head but have no idea where to start or whom to contact. Any information you can supply will be greatly appreciated.
Call the Division of State Parks at 587-0300 and you will be sent a general brochure about all the state parks.
Diamond Head Crater, administered by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's not wheelchair accessible, but the beginning is paved and about 1,000 feet is compacted dirt covered with epoxy resin, said parks program manager Clyde Hosokawa.
There are also three sets of stairs -- with 66, 99 and 40 steps -- and two tunnels leading to the top of the crater and a view of Waikiki and beyond.
The trail is rated "fairly moderate." Hosokawa advises going in early morning when it's cooler and "to take your time. That's the key."
A hiker familiar with the trail also advises taking a small flashlight to help you through the tunnel and one of the stairways.
Mahalo
To Henry of the Barbers Point Federal Fire Station; Sylavette, the school bus driver who was a witness; HPD Officer Kellet; city paramedics; Waiau Fire Station crew; Pali Momi Hospital emergency room staff; and anyone else I may have left out for aiding my husband, Wayne. At 7:40 a.m. Nov. 3, he was struck by a Dodge Caravan while on his motorcycle. The female driver sped away but we were able to get the license number. Being a new bride, I am grateful for all your help. After all this is over, we can return to being newlyweds. -- Cheryl Naholowaa
