Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Kokua Line
Question: In August, someone asked Kokua Line why the street lights on the Kailua side of the Pali tunnel weren't working. The answer was that there was a transformer malfunction and it would take 10 to 11 weeks for a new transformer to be shipped here. It's been more than 12 weeks -- will the lights be going on anytime soon? Pali lights should
be on in DecemberAnswer: No.
The new transformer actually arrived Oct. 6, according to state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali. But "when they went to install it, they found out the one that arrived had the wrong voltage and they had to send it back," she said.
The supplier had "ordered it wrong," another DOT spokeswoman later explained. The 41 lights have been out for more than three months.
The latest word is that the correct $3,000 transformer has been reordered and should be here in early December. The lights then "should be back up and running in early December, Kali said.
Although the transformer is coming only from California, the DOT says the two month-plus shipping time is "normal."
Q: I am trying to get the address or phone number of the mother of the little girl who is in a coma at Kapiolani Medical Center. She was one of the three girls hit by a van near Kaewai Elementary School. I would like to see if I could deliver some food or supplies for the family.
A: Hilovelyn Luab, 10, remains in a coma at Queen's Medical Center, while her sister, 12-year-old Switzer, is recovering from injuries received when they were hit by a van while walking home from Kaewai Elementary on Aug. 22.
Their friend, 12-year-old Nancy Phongsavath, was killed in that accident.
You can deliver food or goods to help the Luab family at three locations: at Kalihi Rep. Dennis Arakaki's office, room 436 at the State Capitol (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday); at the counselor's office, Kaewai Elementary School, 1929 Kamehameha IV Road (8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday; call 832-3500); or at the office of Kalihi Union Church, 2214 N. King St. (church hours).
Monetary donations may be sent to: The Luab Sisters Fund, c/o Bank of Hawaii, 1950 N. King St., Honolulu, HI 96819.
Arakaki said the donations, if made through the proper channels, will not jeopardize the family's welfare benefits.
In addition to Hilovelyn and Switzer, Evelyn Luab has five other children. She is a single parent relying on financial aid and food stamps.
Arakaki said Switzer is now at home, but still needs therapy. She is hoping to return to school soon.
"Meanwhile, the mother is struggling between taking care of her at home and going to the hospital," he said.
Auwe
To the driver of a white Honda Civic. I followed you for perhaps 20 minutes and within that time, what caught my attention was the tossing of your first cigarette butt out of your car. You not only lit up again right after, then threw out the second butt, but lit a third one! You have children who are honor students at two schools, according to bumper stickers, but what a bad example you are. Be considerate and do not mess our roads. -- No Name
Mahalo
To the person who found me at 3770 Kanaina Ave. in need of immediate medical assistance around 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and who summoned emergency personnel. Your kind attention has meant a great deal to me. -- Patricia Otake
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