Kokua Line
Kokua Line
We received the container for automated garbage pickup in Aikahi in mid-March. It's now August and we still haven't heard anything about when the service is going to start. In the meantime, we're all stuck with these huge containers. What's going on? Windward automated
trash pickup still on holdThe delay in implementing automated garbage pickups in Windward Oahu stems from a labor dispute that erupted in April, when members of the United Public Workers union refused to pick up trash at 20,000 households.
At issue is the city's conversion from manual to automated pickups in three of six districts and whether it's tied to new pay raises. UPW is alleging Mayor Harris reneged on his promise to give the refuse workers a raise.
The new automated routes were to take effect April 13 in Windward Oahu.
"We're hopeful that we will be able to move forward," said Harris administration spokeswoman Carol Costa. But she didn't know when that would be.
About 40,000 households already have converted to the automated system, she said.
Besides Windward Oahu, many other neighborhoods have been given the 96-gallon containers in anticipation of the switch.
"We simply ask people to keep them on their property," Costa said. "We are just as anxious to begin the automated refuse program in their neighborhood."
Recently, a young couple drove up to our condominium in a pickup truck. The woman jumped out and began cutting flowers on our property. When challenged by the resident manager, in foul language, she said, "I am Hawaiian and a new law says I have the right to cut flowers anywhere I want." Our manager checked with some knowledgeable people and they said there is a law. Is that true -- that they can go on private property and cut flowers at will?
No.
The woman probably was referring to the 1995 Hawaii Supreme Court's Public Access Shoreline Hawaii decision expanding the rights of native Hawaiians to go on private property.
That ruling affirmed an earlier lower court ruling that protected the gathering rights of native Hawaiians on UNDEVELOPED private property.
At continuing issue is the rights of private owners, especially those of developed properties.
The state Legislature this year considered a bill that sought to clarify the traditional rights of native Hawaiians to gather food and materials for subsistence, cultural and religious practices.
No action was taken, with many Hawaiians testifying against the bill, fearing it would further restrict their access to plants, fish, etc. But supporters of the bill said that, without clear definitions of what traditional gathering rights mean, private property rights would be trampled upon.
To the person who called about security concerns at Manoa Library: Talk directly with branch manager Lynn Masumoto. Most of the concerns appear unfounded, while the taking down of license numbers is part of efforts to keep tabs on parking abuses. Masumoto can explain things more fully. Manoa Library
To the lady on Hahaione Street on July 5, who ungraciously covered our white van from tires to roof with grass cuttings. We parked on the street in front of her home to go to a nearby garage sale. No one was doing yard work, nor was there a sign asking people not to park. When we returned, she did not even acknowledge us with an apology. My 4-year-old son was shocked and couldn't understand why someone would do this. This is another example of how our world is changing. -- E.K. Auwe
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
