Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Kokua Line
Question: Why is our expensive "Zipmobile" always parked outside the expensive garage that was built for it? Garage can hold
just one ZipmobileAnswer: Actually, there are two Zipmobiles, but room for only one inside the so-called "Zip Hale." That's why you see one parked outside.
The original plan was to have the second one stored at the state Department of Transportation's base yard, said spokeswoman Marilyn Kali. But because they are rotated almost daily for maintenance work, it was easier just to keep them together on site, she said.
Maintenance is constant because the Zipmobiles, which realign the concrete dividers daily on the H1 zipper lanes, are subject to some pretty tough work.
"They have to be calibrated and anything they hit throws off the calibration," Kali said. "So it works better for the rotation to have them close together."
Q: I've been a longtime customer of City Bank in Kailua. Recently, they started construction in the bank. The manager informed me that construction was on hold because workers started on the ceiling and exposed asbestos. He said the construction people cannot go in for 10 days under state law.
But what about customers or the bank employees? I'm concerned for my personal safety, but I'm only in there for a few minutes. The workers are in there all day long. What is the health risk involved?
A: The air is checked daily by an environmental group and there is no danger of asbestos to customers or employees, according to Wayne Miyao, senior vice president of corporate marketing for City Bank.
He clarified last week that the work is being done by the building's landlord; City Bank is merely the tenant there.
Currently, the landlord is seeking a permit to proceed with the work, Miyao said. Once that permit is obtained, it will be done after hours and on weekends, when no one is present, he said.
Q: What is the status of the illegal dumping on private property in Waianae? Last year, you said the state Department of Health was investigating.
A: As happened back in September when we printed your complaint about the dumping of trash and boulders along a dry riverbed in Waianae, the answer we got this time was just as brief.
"We are still investigating and are in consultation with the AG's (attorney general's) Office," said Lene Ichinotsubo, of the state Health Department's Office of Solid Waste Management.
She said she could not say more than that.
Mahalo
To the person who found my credit card and turned it into the Pali Longs. -- L.C.C.
Auwe
To the person(s) in a cream-colored Ford Aerostar. No excuse is possible for allowing your dog to fall out of a moving vehicle onto the freeway at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 23. If not for quick reactions by the drivers in two lanes, you would have had a mess on your hands and maybe a scar on your hearts. Thankfully, no accidents were caused by your stupidity and the dog was able to walk. Vow never to place your dog in such a situation. A few hours as a volunteer at the Hawaiian Humane Society might reduce what must be a heap of guilt. -- K-9
Mahalo
To all the kind people who came to our brother's aid when he became ill while shopping in Sears -- our heartfelt thanks. He's doing fine now. God bless you and your families. -- The Chus
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