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Kokua Line
Question: I have a complaint about census takers. I already filed my forms, but on Sunday, June 4, a man rang my doorbell saying he was rechecking. What is the purpose of mailing in the forms if you are still being harassed? I am a senior citizen. Why is the census taking so long? This is already June. Irritated by ‘rechecking’
census takersAnswer: Apparently, the U.S. Census has so many complaints, it has preprinted answers to many of them. In fact, "nonresponse follow-up" is considered one of the standard Census 2000 questions.
Census takers are still making their rounds because some households did not send in a questionnaire by April 18. However, even if you sent in your questionnaire before that deadline, "it's possible that we did not receive it in time to be excluded from Nonresponse Follow-up."
Once census takers are sent out, they're instructed to complete all questionnaires in their assignment areas, whether you already filled one out or not. So, don't blame the field worker.
"We would appreciate your cooperation in completing the questionnaire again," the Census Bureau says.
Make sure the surveyor shows you a Census Bureau ID card printed with his/her name. They should read you the Privacy Act Notice, provide you with the telephone number of the local Census office, if you ask, and carry the Census 2000 tote bag.
The census taker will not ask to enter your home, though you are welcome to invite them inside.
Q: Auwe to Kahala Mall for allowing employees to occupy prime parking spaces, such as under cover near Star Market, because they arrive before the shops open. Also, near Tower Records, delivery trucks park all kinds of ways. Why don't security guards go around and mark the tires every two hours to know who parks there all day instead of standing in the shady mall looking at people? Ala Moana Center guards enforce the parking situation and they don't hesitate to tow away violators who park in disabled parking stalls.
A: Employees are prohibited from parking in the most desirable spaces (shaded, near entrances) and security guards do their best to monitor the situation, said Kahala Mall General Manager Ron Yoda.
He said he would remind all stores of the employee parking policy, but if you see a violation, call a store manager or the mall management office (732-7736) with a description of the car and store's name.
But Yoda said that early parked cars are not necessarily those of employees. Some stores open at 6 a.m., while Kahala Mall has an early exercise program for seniors, so many people show up at 6 a.m.
Meanwhile, there is no way to avoid having delivery trucks, but deliveries normally are made early in the morning and "we do ensure that they are not creating hazards," Yoda said. The area around Star Market is an in-demand area, so there is limited-time parking there.
"We do monitor use, including periodically marking tires," he said.
As for violations of handicap parking spaces, Yoda said, "Without exception, we consistently monitor and act on all handicap violations, including the towing of vehicles violating ADA laws."
Yoda said his office responds to every compliment, complaint or question and wished you had come to him first with your complaint.
"A simple phone call (from you) would have resulted in meaningful dialogue addressing all the issues, " he said.
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