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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Volunteering to save space for disabled
Question: How does one go about volunteering for the handicap parking violator program with the Honolulu Police Department? Do you need to take a class or go through some kind of training?
Answer: To become a disabled-parking enforcement volunteer, you have to meet several criteria as well as take a one-day class (plus follow-up "remedial" classes).
The next class will be held in May, so you're advised to apply now to get the screening process going, said HPD Sgt. Kevin Oshiro, of the Traffic Division.
Call 529-3136 or 529-3106 for information and to get an application.
HPD is looking for volunteers, since the cadre of citizens helping police enforce the disabled parking laws has dwindled to 10.
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Honolulu, at least 21 years old, a high school graduate or with an equivalent GED certificate, have a valid Hawaii driver's license, pass a criminal history and background check, complete an oral interview and meet the qualifications for a special police commission.
You should be physically fit enough to do the job.
Volunteers are allowed to patrol near their homes. They get paid mileage and are provided free uniforms and equipment. However, they are required to work a minimum of 20 hours a month or five hours a week, on a flexible schedule.
Oshiro cautioned that HPD does not want "the vigilante (volunteers) who just want to tag that one car parked in that one stall. That never works out."
Emergency Alert
In response to the
Feb. 27 "Kokua Line" about programming an "ICE" ("in case of emergency") number in cell phones, Dominic Kadooka contacted us about a company he and his wife, Shawn, started in February called Family Emergency Alert Service.
It grew out of an incident at Pearlridge Mall that bothered him for several weeks. "I needed to find a solution," he said.
The Kadookas and a security officer had noticed an elderly woman slumped over a coffee table. Before paramedics responded, she regained consciousness, said she was alone and gave Kadooka a number to call.
Despite calling for hours, he could not reach any family member.
In ensuing weeks he thought about how families could be notified immediately after a crisis.
Although the Kadookas are farmers -- they grow corn in Waimanalo -- they decided there was a need for an emergency alert service.
The basis of the service is a metal tag with the words, "In case of emergency, call my family: 1-800-781-8409." That number connects to a call center, which will then contact the family member listed in the database.
Enrollment ranges from $19.95 to $29.95 a year. See www.feaservice.com or call 306-4381 for more information.
Although just more than a month old, 240 families have already signed on, Shawn Kadooka said.
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