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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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1-gallon containers are not eligible for redemption program
Question:
Why are certain HI5 containers, namely one gallon plastic juice containers, not being accepted for redemption at the University of Hawaii Manoa redemption site? The labels say "HI, ME 5 DEP" and we were charged the recycling fee. But we were told the containers were too big. Is this the policy for that particular site or is this the general policy for all the authorized redemption centers?
Answer: The problem was not at the redemption site.
Gallon containers should not be marked HI-5 and you should not have been charged the deposit (refundable 5-cent recycling fee and 1-cent handling fee).
That's because containers over 68 fluid ounces are not eligible for redemption, according to the state Department of Health. A gallon is 128 fluid ounces.
If you are charged a deposit for a non-deposit container, you are advised to take your receipt and the container back to the store where the purchase was made for a refund.
Then call the Health Department at 586-4226 to report the mislabeled containers.
"Once the purchaser identifies the store where the purchase of the mislabeled container occurred, the department will follow up with an appropriate inspection," said a spokeswoman.
Basically, containers not eligible for redemption are those that contain milk, wine and spirits, any container over 68 fluid ounces and any container without the HI-5 label.
You can get more information at hawaii.gov/health/environmental/waste/sw/sw/hi5/support/ConsumerInfo.pdf.
Q: Can you help publicize the State Pest Hotline -- 643-PEST (643-7378)? This is the number to call if you see a snake or other illegal animals, unusual insects, unusually aggressive stinging ants, or even unusual aquatic species. The number may be dialed direct from any island. Calls are routed to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture during normal office hours, as well as to its office at Honolulu Airport after hours, on weekends and holidays. 643-PEST is also the amnesty number, where people may turn in illegal pets without fear of prosecution.
A: Consider it done.
That request comes from Christy Martin, public information officer for the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, a partnership involving staff from every major agency and organization involved in invasive species work.
The discovery of illegal animals and other pests in Hawaii has been "a consistent problem," she said.
For example, there's been an average of six to 10 snake sightings a year in the islands, she said.
People are encouraged to call the Pest Hotline if they see any unusual or exotic creature, just to be cautious.
Martin also emphasized that anyone who turns in an illegal animal will receive immunity from prosecution.
"We would much rather get that creature, whatever it is, than have somebody worry and turn it loose," she said.
She emphasized that 643-7378 can be dialed direct -- no need to dial 1 or 808 from any island -- plus there is no charge for calling.
Mahalo
To the gentleman who, on the morning of April 21 at the Aloha gas station in Kahala, returned my credit card. You renewed my faith in the goodness of man. You also gave me an immeasurably valuable birthday gift. You see, I celebrated my 82nd birthday the following day. Thank you again. May the Lord bless you. -- Takashi Akimoto
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