Kokua Line
Kokua Line
My friend recently got a Hawaii state ID and told me that her card has a six-year expiration date. She said that cards with no date will expire in 1999 and that we will have to get new cards. Is that correct? If so, when will the new credit card type of ID be available? Most state IDs will
expire at end of 1999Cards issued since last year are good for six years. Cards issued before July 1, 1997, will expire at the end of 1999.
The new IDs, which are supposed to lessen the chances of fraudulent reproduction, won't be available for several more months.
The best guess is that the system to produce the cards will be set up "sometime in the fall," said an official with the state Criminal Justice Data Center, which produces state ID cards. "We are in the final stages of the procurement process," she said.
Where can I dispose of my old car battery?
By state law, retailers are supposed to take your old batteries when you buy a new one.
But if you're still stuck with one: The Battery Exchange of Hawaii, 960 Ahua St. in Mapunapuna, accepts old batteries at no charge. In Waipahu, Interstate Battery Systems of Hawaii Inc., 94-110 Leokane St., will take them for $1.
How can I dispose of kerosene, gasoline and antifreeze?
Call the city's household hazardous hot line, 523-4774, for help.
I see these malasada stands that make and sell malasadas in different shopping areas. The workers handle the dough with their hands and don't wear hairnets. Are they licensed by the Board of Health?
The stands are inspected and approved for a kitchen, said Brian Choy, sanitation chief for the state Department of Health.
The permit is supposed to be posted where the public can see it. If you don't see a permit, ask to see one, Choy said.
The state doesn't require gloves or hairnets. "But hand washing is required before the dough is cooked," Choy said. The fact that the dough is cooked also provides some safeguard.
In general, Choy warned consumers to be careful when buying anything from any roadside vendors. "If people are not comfortable" with any vendor, "ask to see their permit," he said.
Because of these tough economic times, Choy said more and more vendors are popping up along the roadways.
To the young man driving a red Mitsubishi Mirage coupe. On April 30, while the rest of us waited patiently for an available stall at the YMCA, you conveniently parked in a handicapped stall. Yes, you had a pass, but you did not have any physical disabilities. In fact, you bounded up the front stairs and worked out for over an hour. These passes should be only for those who need them. -- No name Auwe
To two police officers and bus driver Leo, on bus 54, who helped me when I collapsed on the sidewalk about 1 p.m. May 1. This was on Moanalua Road across from Alvah Scott Elementary School. Mahalo also to Dr. Horie, Adele and everyone who showed me a bit of kindness that day. -- Debbie Mahalo
To the couple in Sears Roebuck's women's petite department for coming to my assistance on May 6. The man prevented me from falling when I had a momentary blackout. -- J.H. 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
