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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Most receipts will not show card number
Question: I had lunch at a fast-food restaurant in town recently and used my credit card, but I later noticed that my entire credit card number was on the receipt. Is that legal?
Answer: Not if your receipt was electronically printed.
Under the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, credit and debit card numbers on electronically printed receipts must be truncated -- no more than the last five digits of the card number, or the expiration date, can be printed on the receipt provided at the point of a sale or transaction.
However, this does not apply to transactions "in which the sole means of recording a credit card or debit card account number is by handwriting or by an imprint or copy of the card."
Well more than 90 percent of transactions today are electronic, noted Stephen Levins, executive director of the state Office of Consumer Protection.
The state does not have a similar law -- or one covering nonelectronic receipts -- but if you feel there has been a violation of the federal law, "That would be an area of concern, and we would look into it," he said.
You can file a complaint with his office by calling 587-3222.
Q: The Kalanimoku Building's underground parking garage ramp at Punchbowl Street is not adequately lighted. The street trees block the street lights, and the ramp's wall lights do not extend to the sidewalk. It is difficult for drivers turning onto the ramp to see pedestrians at the sidewalk, especially early in the morning around 6 or 6:15 a.m. In the late afternoon on rainy days, it is also hazardous coming out of the garage. The ramp angle prevents the driver from seeing anyone suddenly crossing in front. Can additional lighting, pedestrian warning signs or mirrors for the drivers be provided? Will trimming of the trees be permitted in the Capitol Special Design District?
A: State Comptroller Russ Saito said he gets in to work at the Kalanimoku Building while it is still partially dark, so could check out your complaint firsthand.
He found it "a bit dark because of the tree canopy, but pedestrians are still visible."
Also, he agreed the ramp is steep but said "the angle can't be lessened without getting rid of the slight berm of the sidewalk and driveway that keep rainwater out of the garage."
However, he said he would check into the situation with the lights, as well as the possibility of warning signs or mirrors.
Auwe
We hear much talk about "respect for the aina," but it is disgracefully lacking. Graffiti and litter are everywhere. Makiki Towers sits next to a permanent dump in the 1600 block of Keeaumoku Street. People dump anything in front of a home in the 1300 block of Dominis Street. In front of 1555 Wilder Ave., dirty cans are put out days in advance of pickup. Please, do not litter, and carry a plastic bag when walking to help clean up Hawaii. -- Nancy Bey Little
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. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers