Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: My GTE interstate subscriber line charge was raised from $3.50 to $6.07. I called and was told that for every residence, the primary line -- the oldest line -- still gets charged $3.50, but any other line, the secondary line, is $6.07. We live in a legal ohana unit, with two dwellings on one lot. I was told that because of a federal law, even though we're on the same lot, the first residence gets charged $3.50, and because we're the newer dwelling, we will get charged $6.07. Can anything be done about this gray area? GTE willing to
check your phone costAnswer: It sounds like both dwellings have the exact same address.
If the two dwellings have different addresses, even if it's only an "A" or "B" differentiating the same street name and number, then both would be charged the $3.50 primary user charge, said GTE spokesman Keith Kamisugi.
One address would indicate only one dwelling, he said.
"If we had to investigate every discrepancy in an address -- that would be very cumbersome," Kamisugi said. "So our system looks at the address and if it's different in any way ... like a 12A or a 12B, then we would charge only $3.50 for the first line in each dwelling."
Kamisugi noted that the company has, in the past, especially in rural areas, actually "advocated for the customer" in showing separate residences exist at the same address. For example, there are parts of the Big Island where homes may share the same rural route numbers, he said.
But in your case, call GTE's residential business office, 643-3456, to see if you can appeal the classification of your line.
Q: Is there a city or state ordinance or law prohibiting roosters in residential areas?
I live in Liliha and a neighbor has at least two roosters, a goose and a dog. The roosters start crowing from the wee hours of 3 a.m. and continue throughout the day and early night. The goose and dog are making their sounds in between.
I've called the city office of complaints and they referred me to the Hawaiian Humane Society who referred me to a couple of police officers. I have yet to be contacted even though I have left at least three messages.
Is there any other recourse for me?
A: The law allows two roosters as pets in a residential neighborhood. The Hawaiian Humane Society handles animal nuisance calls, although police can also respond.
If you have a specific address, you should report the noisy roosters to the HHS.
At the early hour you specify, there generally is not someone at the HHS available, so that may be why you were referred to police.
The owner can be cited if the roosters crow continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes.
Try calling the HHS again, 946-3587, and ask for operations manager Charles Duncan, who can probably best advise you on what to do.
Mahalo
To Aiea ambulance medics, who arrived within five minutes on Thursday, May 6, at 12:35 p.m. when my wife was going into a coma. They professionally saved my wife's life. -- A grateful husband, Bobby Oshiro.
Mahalo
To the staff of the restaurant at Liberty House/Windward Mall. I left my wallet there in late March and it was turned in. -- M. Anderson
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