Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: As you know, at present, if you buy an airline ticket and cannot use it, you are out of luck. You can neither sell it nor give it away. I understand that there is a bill, HR 1074 in the U.S. House of Representatives, that is supposed to make it possible to transfer an airline ticket. Is this correct, and can you provide additional information on this bill? Air-ticket transfer bill
waiting in U.S. HouseAnswer: A staff member in Congresswoman Patsy Mink's office directed us to the Web site for the U.S. House of Representatives -- www.house.gov -- which yielded the information.
HR 1074, the "Consumer-Friendly Airline Ticket Transfer Act," was introduced on March 15 by Rep. Jim Gibbons of Nevada. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. No action has yet been taken.
The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations relating to the transfer of airline tickets and to amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code, relating to air carrier ticket pricing policies.
The bill would allow the transportation secretary to issue regulations "requiring air carriers to make paper tickets purchased after Jan. 1, 2001, for intrastate air transportation or interstate air transportation transferable at no cost."
However, the original purchaser of the ticket is the only person who may be credited under a frequent-flyer program of the air carrier.
The bill also would not allow air carriers to prohibit a person (including a government entity) who purchases a ticket "from only using a portion of the air transportation purchased" nor to assess an additional fee or charge to that person or ticket agent.
Q: Is there any place where senior citizens, especially someone with arthritis or having a hard time getting around, can go to get their hair done?
A: The city's Elderly Affairs Division suggested we call the Moiliili Senior Center. Since you live in Makiki, that center might be a good place to try.
A hairdresser goes there once a month to cut people's hair for a small fee. You have to be 60 years old or older, live in the area between Hawaii Kai and Ward Avenue, and be registered with the center.
There is no membership fee. Call 955-1555 for information.
Mahalo
To Gabe Hanohano from Comp USA on Ala Moana. Your contribution from your own pocket to help the crew of the cruise ship Infinity impressed my Australian visitor with the true aloha spirit of Hawaii. We also made stops at Office Max and Office Depot and would like to commend the staff on their terrific customer service! My visitor will never forget her shopping trip to your stores. May your kindness be returned to you triple-fold. -- No Name
Auwe
I read about the family that almost got broadsided ("Kokua Line," March 27). I live in Dudley, Mass., and one of our main roads is Airport Road. Most of our traffic is from Connecticut. If you want a suicide trip, come here. It could be worse. -- Edward Clemens
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com