Kokua Line
Kokua Line
What happened to the plants in the planters on the H-1 viaduct near Kahala Mall? A while ago they were all removed and not replaced. Will we see new plants any time soon, and, if so, what types? Colorful plants
planned for Kahala
H-1 plantersThe plants were removed because they were dying from lack of water, said Martin Okabe, Oahu district engineer with the state Department of Transportation.
The problem was that the sprinkler had broken down. It has since been repaired.
But instead of putting in a hodgepodge of plants, it was decided to clean out the area, then put in "new plants to harmonize the whole thing," said DOT landscape architect George Tonaki.
The area will be replanted with spider-lily shrubs surrounded by bougainvillea, to provide "a splash of color," Tonaki said.
Since the plants are in a dangerous section of the freeway, officials decided to wait until holiday traffic tapered off before replanting. The new plants should be in place within the next few weeks, Tonaki said.
My boyfriend is handicapped, and we recently traveled together on the Handi-Van. Most drivers were cordial, and I was wondering if they are allowed to receive tips. Are there "proper etiquette" standards that I should be aware of?
Officially, the drivers' rule book says they are not to accept gratuities, said Patricia Nielsen, vice president of para-transit services for Oahu Transit Services.
"But we do know that customers, especially around the holidays and maybe all the time, are very generous with food and various things," she said. "So we really don't ask (drivers) to make public (those gifts)."
A home on 10th Avenue in Palolo has been busted twice, but the problem with drugs continues. What can be done? The Honolulu Police Department's Narcotics/Vice Division "hadn't realized that activity was up again" at the house you cited and "will monitor that area," said spokeswoman Jean Motoyama.
Those officers have been working more closely with patrol districts and will discuss the matter with District 7 to alert them to what's going on, she said.
To everyone who sent in and/or helped trim Christmas cards and supported me. I was able to deliver 20 books to children at Shriners Hospital, accompanied by Helen Daniels, the original "Christmas Card Lady." The children were so appreciative. -- Cindy Delgado Mahalo
(You can mail cards to Delgado at 47-158 Lile Place, Kaneohe, 96744. Call her at 239-1163 for information.)
To the people who take unfair advantage of the handicapped parking spaces. So many perfectly healthy people abuse someone else's parking privilege, or they apparently did a great job in fooling their doctors. -- No name Auwe
To Jason Baricuatro, who gave me a green, not a blue Christmas, after I left my pouch on the hood of my car Dec. 8. He returned it to me in good condition with everything, including my money, in there. -- Ryan Dolor Mahalo
To the adult who left two young children unattended in a new car at the Kahala Mall parking lot with the motor running around 7-7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Were I so inclined, I could have had a new Mercedes and two young children. -- No name Auwe
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
