Kokua Line
Kokua Line
My son got into an auto accident, hitting a city utility pole. The city is charging me $1,597. I explained I can't pay it, but they're threatening to send bill collectors. Can you help me? If you hit city property,
you must pay for damageThe city is willing to work out some kind of payment plan, but the policy is: If you are responsible, you should pay.
The majority of damage claims are paid by insurance companies, said acting Finance Director Manny Valbuena. But people who don't want to file an insurance claim or are uninsured can pay it themselves, he said.
"The city considers the individual's ability to pay and customizes the installment terms accordingly, but (you) refused to commit to any repayment schedule," he said.
The city's policy is to send an original billing, followed by two reminder notices within 90 days. If payment is not received shortly after that, the account is referred to a collection agency.
The city sent out bills for damage to Department of Transportation Services property totaling $214,000, between July 1, 1996, and June 30, 1997, Valbuena said. Of that, $150,300 was collected.
I am a member of Together-Honolulu and am having trouble contacting them in regards to the status of my membership. I know they were having problems and were trying to reorganize. Could you advise me on the course of action I could take? Contact the state Office of Consumer Protection, 587-3222.
The office filed a lawsuit against Salina C. Luevano and Together West Hawaii Inc. (dba Together and Together of Honolulu), plus assorted John Does, in January.
However, Luevano has "left the jurisdiction" and the court was to enter a default judgment against her, said executive director Jo Ann Uchida.
Together "sold hundreds, if not thousands," of memberships in Hawaii from 1994 to 1997, the lawsuit says. "In late March 1997, Together abruptly, and without notice to its members, closed its doors and went out of business."
The suit alleges breach of contract; an "unjust enrichment" at the expense of consumers; unfair and/or deceptive trade practices; use of "unconscionable, illusory or otherwise illegal contractual provisions;" and violations of Hawaii's corporate law. The suit seeks restitution for members and unspecified civil penalties.
Recently, a group of high school students were going through the security gate at the Honolulu interisland terminal. Whom do I complain to about how these students were treated? They were on their way to Hilo for a tournament and were excited, but not belligerent. The guards showed no respect. Several female guards pulled one student out of line. I didn't find anything wrong with what he was carrying to be treated so rudely. It makes you wonder how tourists are treated.
State airports administrator Jerry Matsuda said to call him at 838-8600 with more details.
"I will take it up with the acting (Honolulu) airport district manager, and we will address this with Wackenhut, which has the security contract at the checkpoints," he said. Supervisors investigate complaints, he said, and "if there is evidence that their staff is delinquent in their duties, they will train them and provide written reprimands."
For noise and other concerns relating to the airports, call a 24-hour hot line, 1-888-697-7813. If you wish a written reply or call back, one will be provided, Matsuda said.
To Lex Brodie's and Chik's Auto Air for spending time to figure out why my air conditioning didn't work. They didn't charge me even though they could have. E malama ko 'oukou mau kino. -- Norm Scofield Mahalo
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
