Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: On March 22, my family purchased two bikes at Toys "R Us for well over $300. On top of that, we had to pay $30 for city and county registration. After two weeks, I called and asked when we could expect our registration stickers. I was told that applications couldn't be sent in because "We're out of toner." I was told to carry our copy of the application whenever we use our bikes. The applications state: "Must be licensed within five days after date of purchase; this copy is valid for 20 days from the date acquired new only." It has been four weeks and still no C&C registration stickers have been issued to us. What other recourse do we have? Bike stickers
on the way,
retailer saysAnswer: You should be receiving the stickers soon.
Toys "R Us manager Donna Lorenzo apologized for the delay and said all applications have been mailed to the city Director of Finance.
She explained that retailers are required by law to collect $15 for each bicycle sold over 20 inches high. The city provides a three-part application form - one copy for the customer and two for the city. However, the city also requires retailers to keep one for their files, Lorenzo said.
The problem, she said, was that the store's copying machine is not working (that's where the toner comes in) so that fourth copy could not be made. However, hearing of your complaint, she had someone immediately go to a copy shop, make copies, then mail the applications to the city.
Lorenzo also called the city and suggested that if retailers are required to keep a copy, then the city should provide four-part application forms.
It was just Jan. 1 that the bicycle fee went up from $8 for two years to $15 for a "permanent" registration, said David Mau, the city's assistant licensing administrator.
Once you pay the $15 fee, you no longer have to renew the license.
Also, Mau said, despite what it says on the application, there is no law setting a specific time limit in which dealers must send applications for new bikes to the city. The only requirement is that "every dealer or manufacturer shall immediately give notice of transfer to the director of finance," he said.
However, any person other than a dealer or manufacturer who sells a used bike has 10 days to notify the city and the new owner has 30 days to effect the transfer.
Don't be alarmed if you hear loud gunfire this weekend. The Australian and New Zealand consuls will celebrate ANZAC Day at 11 a.m. Sunday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, including a 21-gun salute from cannons at 11:45 a.m. ANZAC celebration
There'll also be a practice firing about 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Auwe
To Safeway market in Kaneohe for allowing vehicles in the no-parking area. It's very inconvenient and hazardous when people park there. Why can't they do as Star Market does and put yellow no-parking cones and chains there? -- Very Steady CustomerThe store has tried various ways to prevent parking there, including putting shopping carts and painting the area, said Kaneohe Safeway's assistant manager, Darlene Silva. "It's just really hard because people are accustomed to parking there." But that won't be happening in a few months, she said. The front of the store is being turned into a customer service area. Renovations should be completed before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, Silva said clerks are asking people to park elsewhere.
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
