I took an out-of-town guest to the Pali Lookout on Nov. 22. There were hordes and hordes of bees everywhere. I've never seen anything like it in my life! It was especially alarming since I'm allergic to bees. Is something being done about the bees? Pali Lookout bee swarms
occur only occasionallyThere's really nothing to be done about the "natural phenomenon" and, typically, the bees probably disappeared the next day, said state Parks Administrator Ralston Nagata.
Bees swarming at the lookout happen rarely -- maybe once every few years -- but when it does, it's because of the wind being gustier than usual and coming from a certain direction, he said.
"Somehow, the bees get stuck" and "they can't get back home," Nagata explained.
No one has figured out why the bees are there at certain times, but they're not nesting, he said.
Also, you might find a lot of bees dead on the ground the next day, "weakened by fighting the wind." The problem goes away once the wind shifts, he said.
But "we try to go out and put signs" when reports of the bees come in, Nagata said, because some people, like you, may have allergic reactions if stung.
Why does the convention center fly the national and state flags 24 hours a day? All other state buildings take them down at night. My understanding of flag protocol is that the national flag should be illuminated if flown at night.
Center management has instructed staff on flag protocol and "assured us the lights are on the flag," said Alan Hayashi, executive director of the Convention Center Authority. However, "we'll double check" to make sure it is lit properly, he said.
The matter was brought up "early on" with management. There was a problem with a computer chip that was programmed to turn the lights on, "but that should have been corrected," Hayashi said.
"We're fully in agreement that if there are no lights on the flag, it should be removed and put away for the evening, at dusk."
The flags are taken down during "real bad weather," but otherwise are up 24 hours a day "as a display," Hayashi said. "We felt it would be appropriate."
We read with great interest the Nov. 14 article about the 68th Medical Detachment Army rescue team. Where can people who have been helped send their thanks? Also, do they have a favorite charity or organization that we may send a donation to?
Send your thanks to Capt. Ed Douglas, Operations Officer, 68th Medical Detachment, Wheeler Army Air Field, Honolulu 96854.
The military can't accept any donations or gifts, but a thank you is always welcome, said Capt. Rob Rooker, spokesman for the 25th Infantry Division.
Instead, donations to help the effort can be sent to MAST Committee, c/o Mr. M.D. Huempfner, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, 86-260 Farrington Highway, Waianae 96792.
Through MAST, the Army provides emergency helicopter and medical rescue services, transporting trauma victims to Queen's Medical Center. Congressional authorization was needed to allow civilians to ride on military aircraft. Since it began in 1974, the Army estimates more than 5,735 accident victims have been aided and more than $4 million in Hawaii tax dollars saved.
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To thieves in Kaneohe. I bought two wire-framed lawn reindeer, with lights, for my first Christmas in our new home. The kids loved looking at them, until thieves cut the electrical wires and yanked them from the ground. I work two jobs and saved for two months to purchase them on layaway. Whoever stole the reindeer also stole Christmas from me and our neighborhood. -- D. Daido
