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Kokua Line
Question: For 2 -1/2 years, I have been bitten by what I just found out are mites. I am being treated by a dermatologist. I live in public housing across from Kaneohe District Park and found out recently that the mites apparently are coming from property that belongs to the Hawaii Housing Authority, which sits between a fence and my yard. On the opposite side of a river is a section that belongs to the city. The city will be clearing out that section soon because of complaints of mites from residents. I'm afraid the mite problem will get worse once the city clears their section. Can't HHA work together with the city to clean out the trees and brushes about the same time? Resident has a
mitey big problemAnswer: The Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawaii (formerly Hawaii Housing Authority) received one complaint about mites around the middle of last year, said spokesman Russell Nanod.
Based on that complaint, it asked the Department of Health to check the area around the Koolau Village. The Health Department found no mites, Nanod said.
Based on Kokua Line's query, Nanod said he checked with the city and was told that it would be chopping down Formosan koa trees across the street from Kaneohe District Park, probably within the next few weeks.
There was speculation that mites could be in the pods of the Formosan koa trees, but that's not the reason the trees are being cut, Nanod said. The problem is that roots from those trees "are cracking residential patio floors and may jeopardize private swimming pools." Tree branches also were clogging the river channels, he said.
Nanod said he asked if the city was experiencing any mite problems and was told it hadn't received any complaints.
Based on all this, no further action would be taken on your complaint.
"We don't want to spray any unnecessary chemicals because that might cause other problems," Nanod said.
If you continue to experience a problem, he suggested calling state vector control at 831-6767.
Mahalo
On March 20, I lost a set of keys at Kahala Mall. Mahalo to the honest person who turned them in to security. It really saved me much headache and worry. -- S. Umada
Auwe
I'm a person who has to use the roads every day, morning, noon and night. I have followed many older people driving extra slow, holding up traffic, going from one lane to another as if no one else is on the road and using their brakes like there is no tomorrow. I have even followed them to their destination and asked if they need help. I would gladly drive them around for safety reasons. That said, they have no one to drive them about. Older people should have to take a test before renewing their license because it is too dangerous for them on the road. -- Kim(Many states, including Hawaii, require older drivers to renew their licenses more frequently than other drivers, but very few require road tests or medical exams because of age. In Hawaii, drivers 72 and older must renew their licenses every two years.)
Mahalo
To officer Ben Mahi for his speedy response to an emergency and heroic attempt to save human life. It was a heartwarming experience and my heartfelt gratitude goes out to the police department. -- 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