Kokua Line
Kokua Line
We are a small organization and want one of our employees to undergo drug testing as a condition of employment. She has agreed to do so. Will Kaiser do the testing, then send us the test results? Formalize policy before
drug testing employeesCall Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program's Occupational Health Services Department and someone "will talk (you) through the process," said spokeswoman Jan Kagehiro.
Kaiser recommends you have an established written policy on drug testing.
This is to "protect the employer -- to make sure the employer is not violating any laws in terms of employee rights," Kagehiro said.
That said, Kaiser would be able to administer a urine drug screen test, which tests for the five most commonly abused drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, she said. Alcohol is not included. The charge is $50.
Drug testing as a condition of employment is not covered by Kaiser.
This person has employees working in a residential area, with numerous delivery trucks coming and going every day. Who can I call to have someone investigate this?
Call the city Building Division's Housing Code Section, 523-6308, and someone will investigate.
I'm dealing with an insurance adjuster who is not a nice person. How do we know he really is authorized to deal with an insurance company, because he will not give the insurance company's name? Are insurance adjusters regulated?
Call the Insurance Division of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, 586-2790.
The division only licenses individuals -- public or independent adjusters. If you provide the name of the person you are dealing with, the office will be able to tell you if he is licensed.
However, if that person is working directly for an insurance company, he is not required to have a license because he is considered to be an employee of the company.
To the airport security officer who gave me a ticket when I took my 67-year-old mother to the Delta terminal on Sept. 28. There was no one there -- no baggage handlers, no passengers, no cars, cabs or buses -- except for people getting off work. I had to help my mother carry her bags to the X-ray machines and wasn't gone more than five minutes. I explained to the officer what I did, but he said I left the car so was in violation. I am so mad about getting the ticket for no reason except a lack of aloha. -- P.P. Auwe
(Airports Administrator Jerry Matsuda said security officers are directed to "exercise discretion and courtesy in their enforcement actions." However, because of security reasons, they are required to issue citations if vehicles are left unattended. Only active loading and unloading of passengers and luggage are permitted.
("I regret that the threat of terrorism has forced us to take these measures, but the safety of the traveling public must be our primary concern," Matsuda said.
(He suggested parking in the nearby garage and/or using porter services at curbside.)
To Manoa Safeway employees who are so friendly and helpful. It's where everyone knows your name. Special thanks to Jerry for gallantly lending his umbrella on stormy days. -- V. Tom Mahalo
Got a question or complaint? Call 525-8686, fax 523-8509, or write P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802. As many as possible will be answered.
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
