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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Power line delays repairs on Fort Street
Question: Fort Street Mall between Hotel and King streets is a mess. There is a fenced-off portion on the mall, which has been in that state for months. Nothing is being done, and there is no sign or communication on what is being done (nothing). This is a well-visited area, and I'm especially embarrassed to have all the cruise ship tourists having to see this. What's going on?
Answer: Work is stalled on the city's $953,686 Fort Street Mall Sewer Rehabilitation project, which entails replacing or relining sewer lines that are more than 100 years old.
The project includes redoing the deteriorated line that runs from Pauahi Street through Fort Street Mall to King Street, said Eugene Lee, director of the city Department of Design and Construction.
"Unfortunately, a conflict with an underground HECO (Hawaiian Electric Co.) power line has halted the work," he said.
At this time, HECO is expected to schedule its work for a May finish, Lee said. The sewer work is then expected to be completed in June.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused," he said.
The plan is to work on the project after hours because it is a heavily used pedestrian area. "It's my understanding that HECO's contractor will be doing likewise," Lee said.
Q: Recently I have noticed several pickup trucks that have a company Web site address and Oregon license plates. Not one of the trucks has a Hawaii safety inspection sticker. If these trucks are doing work on state highways, don't they need to have inspection stickers just like everyone else in Hawaii?
A: Yes.
All vehicles that operate on public roadways are required to have a current safety inspection or be subject to citation by the Police Department, an official with the city Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division said.
We passed your complaint on to the Honolulu Police Department.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Ala Moana Park? I walk in the park, and over the past few months, I've noticed an increase in dogs. I think this is due to the increase in condominiums in Kakaako. If dogs are not allowed, it should be enforced before new occupants assume they can start walking their dogs there. I love dogs, but I love the park more and I don't want it going to the dogs.
A: Dogs are not allowed at Ala Moana Park (see "Kokua Line," Aug. 17, 2006), but it's a matter of police being around to cite the owners at the time.
Neither park workers nor lifeguards have any enforcement authority. You are advised to call the Honolulu Police Department at 911.
Q: What number do I call to get on the Do Not Call list?
A: Call the National Do Not Call Registry at (888) 382-1222 (TTY 866-290-4236) from the phone you wish to register. Or, you can register online at www.donotcall.gov.
Registration is free and good for five years. Most telemarketing calls should stop 31 days after you register.
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