Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: All 800 telephone numbers are toll free. Aren't 888 and 877 also toll-free numbers? If so, why is it that occasionally we in Hawaii cannot use 888 and 877? Are certain toll-free numbers restricted to certain areas? Are there any other numbers that are toll free? 888, 877 numbers toll-
free; not all accessibleAnswer: Certain toll-free numbers are restricted, for example, only to mainland callers, said GTE Hawaiian Tel spokesman Keith Kamisugi.
He notes that virtually anyone can get a toll-free number and determine access to that number.
Kamisugi said you can find out about toll-free numbers by checking out the Federal Communications Commission's Common Carrier Bureau Web site: www.fcc.gov/ccb/888/ 888faq.html.
It's chock-full of information about toll-free numbers, including the fact that the FCC only regulates how toll-free numbers are used or obtained. It does not get involved in the day-do-day allocation of such numbers.
Toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The FCC said anyone wanting a toll-free number should contact a phone carrier or entities called Responsible Organizations (RespOrgs), which are usually toll-free service providers or carriers that have access to the toll-free database.
The FCC said it does not have such access and therefore, does not know if a number is reserved, working or unavailable.
The first toll-free area code was 800. Because of high demand for toll-free numbers, 888 and 877 were added.
"Just as the 888 number pool draws near depletion, the same is likely to happen to 877 numbers," the FCC said. "The industry has plans to introduce 866, 855 and other codes for toll-free calling once 877 numbers are depleted."
Q: Who do I call about someone dumping a huge pile of broken concrete pieces, rocks, etc. at the entrance to Halawa Drive? It is an eyesore and has been there for months. We residents take pride in our neighborhood and Halawa Drive is not a dumping ground!
A: Such complaints should be directed to the city building division. Call 527-6308.
But the mess should be cleared up soon -- we think.
At the very least, the city expects to cite the adjoining property owner this week, ordering him to remove the debris, which apparently is related to the planned construction of a retaining wall.
Owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk areas (improved or unimproved) fronting their properties.
The glitch in this case is that the property owner lives on the mainland, a building official said.
Depending on the circumstances, the construction contractor also might be cited, he said.
Sometimes, if a property owner fails to take action within a designated time, the city will do the job, then bill the owner.
Auwe
To drivers who cross over double solid lines. Every morning, I see cars traveling Diamond Head on King Street crossing a solid, double line to beat the city buses to make a right turn onto Punchbowl Street. They should all be cited. I counted more than 175 cars doing that in a two-hour period between 7 and 9 a.m. -- No name
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