Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What is happening in the grassy, green area on Sandy Beach, between the two restroom facilities? There are barbecue grills, a rock garden, lounge chairs and a Hawaiian flag. It looks like trees were planted to screen it off. Now, there are tatami mats. Makeshift compound
at Sandy Beach
taken downAnswer: Not anymore.
City Parks Director William Balfour personally scoped the scene last week.
As of last Monday, the flag, the grills, the beach chairs and the mats have all been removed. "Everything is gone except the planting," he said. "We're not going to take the planting out."
The planting was not a problem, but when people essentially "made a house there," then that was not acceptable, he said. It wasn't that someone was living in the makeshift compound, more that they were staking out "a little corner of the world."
Balfour said he had no clue this was going on until Kokua Line brought it to his attention. With 450 parks under his jurisdiction, "things happen that I'm not totally aware of on a timely basis, so I appreciate your reader bringing it to my attention."
Q: We live in the ZIP code area of 96813 and have constantly had delays of bulk mail. We have complained to the post office, but have gotten no results. Can something be done on your end?
A: Without details, it is difficult to provide an answer, said Felice Broglio, spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Service.
Since 96813 falls under the downtown postal district, she suggested you call Obed Okashige, the downtown station manager, at 522-8025 or 522-8023, to discuss the problem.
Broglio said Okashige was not aware of any such delays.
More on Sand Island dogs
Officers of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement routinely patrol state parks on Oahu and "appropriate enforcement action is taken upon the observation of violations," said Michael Lapilio, Oahu branch chief.A complaint in Thursday's Kokua Line said "we were told to report to DOCARE" problems with loose dogs "but nothing happens."
But Lapilio said during the past 18 months, his office has not received any complaints regarding loose dogs in Sand Island State Park. The last violation occurred March 23, when a DOCARE officer was sent to investigate and the Hawaiian Humane Society was called to remove the dogs, he said.
"We encourage the public to call in violations that they observe to our division as it is occurring," Lapilio said. Call 587-0077, providing a description of the violation, a description of the suspect, if possible, and a description of any vehicle that the suspect is using.
Mahalo
To the two Polynesian sisters who were kind enough to pick me up at the corner of Aala Street and Vineyard Boulevard on Sept. 21 in their black Jeep and take me to my destination. I was afraid to cross the street because I had two accidents -- one in June on Kahekili Highway and one in July on South King Street in front of the Moiliili Community Center. My heartfelt mahalo to both of you. -- Carole Nakamura
Mahalo
To whoever turned in my wallet at Aloha Stadium at the Oct. 2 UH football game. I appreciate it very much. -- Larry N.
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