Kokua Line
Kokua Line
In Kailua, there is a community playground that's not designed for baseball or softball. There is only a low fence and it is ringed by houses. But a large group of people plays baseball and softball there for two hours most days, from about 4 or 4:30 to 6 or 6:30 p.m. Balls have slammed into my house on more than one occasion, and I've seen a number land in other people's yards. Is there any way this can be stopped, or can the city put up higher fences? Stray baseballs bring a
call for higher fencesYours was the first complaint received about the ball players at Kalaheo Playground, said city parks spokeswoman Patti Nagao.
The field is used for ball practice and there are two portable backstops, she said.
After checking the situation, the district manager "could not determine which side or sides (of the field) needed correcting," she said. "I'm sure we can resolve the problem, even if it means altering the height of the fence on one side."
But she said more information is needed and asked that you call District 4 manager, 233-7300.
I am a city bus driver and I want to point out a very hazardous condition on Kamokila Boulevard, in front of American Savings Bank. There is a bike lane and signs that say no parking, but people still park there, protruding into the right lane. They are going to the ATM and are too lazy to go to the parking lot. I've had many near misses -- almost hitting car doors as they open. This happens every day. Can you help?
A spokeswoman for Campbell Estate said police will be monitoring the situation and will begin ticketing vehicles. She said whenever you or others encounter the situation, call District 8 police, 674-8901.
We live in Mililani and love to go walking along Makaunulau, Meheula Parkway and in Mililani Mauka. Lately, we've noticed a lot of dog droppings, which nobody bothers to pick up. What can be done to correct this situation? We don't know what agency to call.
This is a common complaint and not one easily resolved.
The quick answer is that owners who do not pick up after their dogs, either on public property or someone else's property, are breaking the city's litter law. Enforcement rests with police.
The problem, as noted before, is that police would have to catch owners who do not pick up after their animals in the act of disregard before they could issue any citation.
The state Vector Control Branch constantly receives complaints about dog poop, said entomologist George Kitaguchi. The problem is that the droppings attract flies.
"Owners have to be more responsible when they walk their dogs so we won't have as bad a fly problem," he said.
But he pointed out that if the dog poop is on private property -- no matter if someone else's animal left it -- responsibility for cleanup rests with that property owner. That responsibility extends to the sidewalk or grassy area between the property and the street.
It may not seem fair, Kitaguchi said, but that's the way the law is. Vector inspectors will talk to a property owner about cleaning up if it becomes a sanitation problem. Call 831-6767.
You might also try asking your neighborhood board or community association for help.
Auwe
To a helicopter ride operator at the stadium sports carnival on March 21. It's easy to be rude and yell at women and kids. Show a little class. -- Linda
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
