
Kokua Line
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Is it permissible for a private minister to meet with clients or solicit business in the Department of Health building on a daily basis? It looks like a marriage coordinator's paradise right in the lobby where people apply for marriage licenses. New rules may restrict
solicitation at buildingRight now, yes. But that is expected to change soon.
Health department officials have tried to stop the activity, said spokesman Patrick Johnston.
But when the state Department of Accounting and General Services, which manages state buildings, was asked to intervene, "They said there were no administrative rules that prohibited this type of activity," he said.
The person you are referring to, who did not want to be named, formerly volunteered, then worked for the Health Department. He said he is a licensed minister who is just trying to provide a service.
He is not "doing something unwelcome or is a nuisance," Johnston acknowledged. If he were, then there would be cause to remove him from the building.
But administrative rules have been drafted, Johnston said. After they are signed by the governor, "it will be possible to cite anybody soliciting from a state building."
The man, meanwhile, was philosophical: "Who writes the script for the roles we must act out each day on life's stage?" he said. "Who guides us and brings us together?"
He said it may be time to move on: "Maybe a new chapter is opening and an old chapter is closing."
I called the state Department of Transportation to report that after the H-3 opened, the traffic on Kahekili/Likelike highways has changed. Because of that, at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., the lights at Kahekili and Likelike should favor the traffic on Likelike. Can someone look at this? The DOT doesn't see a need to fiddle with the signals.
"Presently, in the morning peak hours, Likelike Highway receives 80 percent of the green time," said DOT Director Kazu Hayashida. "In the afternoon peak hours, the signals are set to give 50 percent to Likelike Highway. We feel this is fair and proper for both Likelike and Kahekili highways."
Traffic lights need to be readjusted on Kahekili Highway. For cars turning left from Kahekili onto Keaahala Road, going makai, about nine cars will make it through on one light. But often, there will be 16 cars waiting to turn. Why doesn't the light hold while cars are going over pressure lines? It's the same thing the other way -- cars on Kahekili turning mauka onto Kahuhipa. You have to sit in traffic through two lights before making a left turn. Can someone check this for timing? Your question came in a while back, but it was lost in the shuffle between the city and state.
In general, in answer to both H-3-related questions, Department of Transportation Director Kazu Hayashida said the new freeway "has changed traffic patterns on both sides of the island.
"Some adjustments were made and future changes will be made until drivers fall into a predictable pattern. If changes are made too often, it will take longer for motorists to fall into predictable patterns," he said.
People are losing jobs and security. The safety and health of families are being threatened with the lack of medical insurance. Why, then, are people being hostile about leaves blowing in their yards? They need to take time to appreciate what nature provides -- beauty along with minor inconveniences -- R.D. Auwe
To Van, for your generous assistance and use of your cellular phone when my Mazda stalled on exit 23 in March. Mahalo
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
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