Kokua Line
Kokua Line
When are they going to remove Social Security numbers from our drivers licenses? There was a bill in the Legislature to do that. Social Security number
stays on license for nowThe Social Security numbers will remain, visible on the licenses, at least for the time being. House Bill 2347 apparently stalled in the House Judiciary Committee, and no action is expected this session.
But in addition to the visible numbers, the city this month began putting bar codes with Social Security numbers on new, renewed or duplicate licenses.
"It's a transition from the present central issuing system to an over-the-counter system," said city motor vehicle licensing administrator Dennis Kamimura.
The federal government already is requiring all states to put Social Security numbers -- either on a magnetic form or visibly printed -- on drivers licenses by the year 2000, he said.
Eventually, the city hopes to get bar code scanners so that information on licenses can be plugged into the computer electronically, instead of manually.
Despite the fact that drivers licenses are almost universally used for identification, the only people you are required to show your license to are law enforcement officers, Kamimura said.
For him, "My concern is more on the economic side. It would cost us a lot of money to change our computer system to be able to issue (drivers) another number, which would have to be a random number."
We have gift certificates for Byron II and Hanamizuki restaurants, both of which have closed. Can we get our money back? You're in luck with one, probably out of luck with the other.
Because the owner of Byron II's -- Sea Breeze Ltd. -- is still in business, it is providing cash refunds. Go to Andy's Drive-Inn, 142 Oneawa St. in Kailua, with your certificate, and you will be given a refund, said bookkeeper Janet Elicker.
For Hanamizuki, your best course of action is to call the state Office of Consumer Protection, 587-3222.
Your chances are iffy that you'll be able to get a refund, but at least your claim will be on file.
Can you please warn your readers that contributions to the Police Family Survivors Fund don't help local families? I've been sending small donations for years to the PFSF, but recently, a local officer told me local families get no benefits from them. It's true that the Florida group has no affiliation with the Honolulu Police Department, an HPD spokeswoman said. If you do want to contribute to a local group, the Honolulu Police Relief Association provides financial aid to officers and employees, as well as recreational benefits, college scholarships, etc.
The nonprofit HPRA was formed in 1932 and is run separately from HPD and the city. It generates funds through donations, investments and sales of police memorabilia. Call 942-3873.
To people who don't call the humane society or animal pickup when they see a dead animal on the road. In Kalama Valley, I've noticed a lot of animals left on the road, destroyed by other animals or hit over and over. - G.L. Auwe
To the police officers, including Sgt. Ken Tomita and Officer W. Lum, for their professionalism and concern when we were involved in a traffic accident the evening of March 1. We were stunned and I was very upset. The officers took care of everything, from calming me down to making sure no one was injured, calling the tow truck and making sure that we got home safely. -- Michelle Abe Mahalo
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
