Kokua Line
By June Watanabe
Wednesday, September 9, 1998
Kokua Line
A few weeks ago, we received our University of Hawaii football tickets by mail. In past years, these tickets were mailed to us "certified," which meant the postman came to your door and had you sign for them. I remember we paid about $3 extra for shipping and handling when we sent in our renewal for tickets. Since they sent the tickets by regular mail this year, what was the extra $3 for? Mailing football tickets first class helps UH save
Actually, you are assessed a $4 handling charge, said Jim Donovan, UH associate athletic director.
And, he said, that was just half of what it actually costs the UH to process the tickets. That's why this year, in an attempt to save money and make the charges more in line with actual costs, they mailed tickets by the less costly first-class route.
Here's how Donovan explained it:
It costs about $3.75 to print tickets, process renewal forms and mail them first class, not including labor. Mailing them certified/registered adds on $4.10, for a total cost of nearly $8 per household, Donovan said.
The UH surveyed other schools and found that most, including UCLA and Wisconsin, for example, sent tickets via first-class mail.
"We've found out that so far this year, we've had the same amount of problems or less than in the past," Donovan said. Of mailings to about 6,000 households (21,000 tickets), there have been problems with about 12 to 18, he estimated.
However, "we reserve the right to switch back to certified or certified/registered mail," he said. But if that happens, the cost will be passed on to consumers, he said.
My Makakilo development has an automatic sprinkler system which leaves horrible water residue spots on my car. I understand this is the same water that we drink. Is the Board of Water Supply the regulator of this? Regardless, could or should they test our water? I recently had heart surgery and am required to take many pills and drink lots of water. However, I am afraid to drink too much. From your description, the spots are probably caused by the naturally occurring silica in the water, said spokeswoman Denise DeCosta. There is no health hazard associated with that, she said.
However, call 527-5283 and water quality inspectors will check.
"If it's a health issue, not just a curiosity -- curiosity things have to go to private labs," the board will run tests, DeCosta said. "So if the water looks, tastes or smells funny or if someone in the house gets sick from it, our guys will grab a sample," she said.
Generally, inspectors will get a sample "from our side of the meter," meaning not straight from your tap. "Generally, we will check our water to make sure the water we're supplying is safe."
To the young man who helped my wife jump-start her Honda on Aug. 21 near Longs Kahala. -- Ed Mahalo
To the Waikiki Roughwater Swim Committee for sending out its new requirement just about a week before the (Labor Day) swim that "the finish chute will shut down at 12 noon. You must finish the race by noon to be recognized as an official finisher." This means there will be a lot of "unofficial finishers," especially in years when the current is adverse (about every other year). If we pay our entry fees, then we are official entrants. This is not a "race" but a swim event where participation is the main goal, much as in the Honolulu Marathon. Anyone who finishes deserves credit for effort, not a kick in the teeth. Let's hope the organizers of the Honolulu Marathon and the Molokai to Oahu canoe events don't follow the poor example of the Waikiki Roughwater Swim Committee. -- No name Auwe
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