Kokua Line
Kokua Line
When I came home the other day, there was a company hired by Hawaiian Electric chopping my tree around the power lines. Normally, we would get a notice. I don't blame the men who did the chopping, but there were pounds of lichee that my neighbors and I had to frantically pick up. Why didn't we get a notice? Heco’s tree-chopping
forces scramble for licheeWhen Hawaiian Electric Co. inspectors see a tree growing too close to a power line, they do "try to make contact" with the owner, said spokesman Fred Kobashikawa.
The main concern is safety. If the wind blows and it's a wet day, a tree too close to power lines could suddenly be energized, he said.
Kobashikawa could not say why there was no notice in your case without more details. To follow up, call Heco's forester, 543-7564.
"The frequency of (tree/power line) inspections is dependent on the area," Kobashikawa said.
Wet areas, for example, usually warrant more inspections than dry areas.
Heco has a free tree-removal program, but only for trees that grow straight up, such as Norfolk pines, bamboo and areca palms.
If inspectors notice an "imminent dangerous situation" with such trees, they will "make a reasonable effort to notify owners to trim the tree," Kobashikawa said.
At the same time, they will offer to remove it and replace with another tree. "We would ask that the person put the tree in another location so that it doesn't present a safety issue," he said.
When it comes to trees which can be shaped, such as lichee, "we will shape the tree so that it's away from the power lines," Kobashikawa said. "After we cut it, we usually send a letter to the property owner asking the owner to look after that tree."
Heco does not intend "to run into a situation where the rest of the rate-payers are subsidizing a tree-trimming deal for one customer," he said.
If you notice a tree brushing too close to a power line, call Heco's trouble line at 548-7961.
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Auwe
To the Hawaiian Humane Society. I live in Nanakuli and take care of a lot of homeless cats, many of which I cannot even get near.But the night before, I found a cat dragging her back legs. I put her in a box and called the humane society the next day. After many tries, I finally got someone and explained the cat was paralyzed and could someone come pick her up. A lady rudely said, "It'll cost you $30 to euthanize and $10 for pickup." I explained that the cat was wild. She asked if I had fed her even once. I said yes, just throwing her food. She said, "Then you'll have to pay." I said I didn't have the money. She then said, "Well, I'm sorry. We can't help you."
Fortunately, a wonderful veterinarian in my area was kind enough to take the kitty and relieve its suffering, for free. The humane society needs to get its "purpose" redefined. Humane means humane, not money! -- L.F.
(Owners are encouraged to bring "privately owned animals to the shelter, and there are suggested fees for our services," said HHS spokeswoman Eve Holt. If someone cannot afford to pay, "we always accept any animal, 24 hours a day, for whatever reason," and waive the fees, she said.
She apologized for what happened to you. "Be assured this will not happen again," she said.)
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
