Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: At 11:35 a.m. one Thursday at Honolulu Airport, I was confronted by a security lady who demanded I move my vehicle away from the curb. I was at Terminal 6 by China Air. I was actively unloading six pieces of luggage for my guest. I did not at any time leave my vehicle unattended nor was I not actively unloading. By the time I got to the third piece of luggage, she forced me to leave the area with no reason whatsoever. I mentioned that I was unloading luggage. But then, she actually hit my car to tell me to move. So I did. But I returned and completed unloading the last three pieces. Again, she taunted me to leave and made a verbal threat to me. I quickly drove my vehicle away. What is the airport's policy and may I take any legal actions against her? Airport traffic officer
taunts driver at curbAnswer: An investigation was being conducted by the airport security manager and the security manager of AKAL Security, "to correct this incident," said Jerry Matsuda, the state airports administrator.
AKAL holds the airport security contract.
There are no mitigating circumstances as to why the traffic control officer would demand that you move if you were actively unloading your vehicle, he said. Loading and unloading of vehicles along the curb are permitted.
What traffic control officers are supposed to do is apply airport rules, regulations and operating procedures to ensure safety and security at the curb, Matsuda said.
"We will ensure that subsequent training on proper curb-side procedures, as well as customer service and professionalism, is implemented with the TCOs of AKAL Security," Matsuda said.
AKAL officers have been advised of their duties and directed to exercise discretion while enforcing rules and regulations, Matsuda said. " 'Aloha Spirit' is practiced at (Honolulu Airport) and we instill courtesy and hospitality to all."
If you want to pursue the matter, write to Lance Kaonohi, acting Airport Security Manager, 300 Rodgers Blvd., Box 12, Honolulu, HI 96819.
Q: What happened to the bus shelter at Ena Road and Kalakaua Avenue? Last spring they were putting in underground wiring for new street lights but took away the shelter and haven't put it back. Are they going to put it back? It gets pretty wet standing there when it's raining.
A: They took away the portable shelter not because of the work for the new street lights, but to replace it with a permanent one, one in keeping with other improvements made to lights and sidewalks around the Hawaii Convention Center, an official for the city Department of Design and Construction said.
If you look on the sidewalk area, you can see marks where the foundation of the shelter will be set, he said.
The rest of the "shelter superstructure" will be put in after that. The new shelter should be in place by early next year at the latest, the official said.
Punchbowl plants
Floral items, potted plants and artificial flowers for the holidays may be placed at grave sites in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, beginning Monday.Items that are not allowed include Christmas trees of any size, permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, glass objects of any kind, and any other types of commemorative items, including toys, pinwheels, balloons, stuffed toys.
Nothing may be secured to headstones or markers and metal hooks are prohibited.
Items will be removed Jan. 3.
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