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Kokua Line
Question: Recently, the corner of Kilihau and Ahua streets in Mapunapuna was flooded for several days. This seems to happen quite often and slows traffic immensely. The water reaches over the curb and is about a foot deep. Given the dry weather, it couldn't be rain so I suspect a backup of the storm drains. There is a truck rental business right on the corner and the water seems to come from their driveway. Can the drains be fixed? Tidal backup causes
floods on Ahua St.Answer: Your suspicions are correct. "It's not a clog" in the drain, but a backup of tidal waters, explained Albert Miyashiro, an engineer with the city Division of Road Maintenance.
"The intersection has sunk, so during exceedingly high tides, the water backs up from the drainage systems and comes out of that drain," he said.
The city put in a flood gate at the outlet on Kilihau Street, but that apparently hasn't been able to stem the high tides, he said. Crews are continuing to work on the "long-standing problem," which keeps getting worse because the area keeps settling, he said.
As for the truck rental business, Miyashiro said "they're not contributing to this" problem, although the company received a warning letter in February about discharging vehicle wash water.
The city is satisfied that the company has worked to minimize the discharge, an official with the city Department of Environmental Services said.
Q: My friend is going to pay me to watch her infant and child after school. Do I need a general excise tax license? Any other information will be welcomed.
A: Yes, you do need a GET license. You need to get form BB-1 (basic business application) by downloading it from the Internet (www.state.hi.us/tax); requesting it through Forms by Fax, 587-7572; calling 587-4242; or by visiting the tax office at 830 Punchbowl St., Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
There is a one-time $20 fee for the license.
*Call the state Tax Department at 587-4242 to request a copy of form BB-1 (basic business application). An incorrect number was printed July 13.
(Correction July 19.)
Unwanted solicitations
We received a couple of insightful responses to "No Name," who was exasperated and overwhelmed by the number of solicitations for donations she receives (Kokua Line, June 29):
I agree wholeheartedly with this person. I get demanding phone calls on Sundays as well as solicitors who come to the front door. All ignore the "no soliciting" sign. I also live on a limited income and once when I said I would contribute $10, the caller wanted a promise that I would give at least $25. You can bet I will never donate to that organization again! Most seem to want $15 or more -- $5 or $10 is chicken feed and not worth the effort on their part. If that is the case, don't send me any more mail!
-- Nameless
1. Charities share, sell and rent mailing lists. If you donate to one, expect to hear from others. If you do not respond after a couple of times, most will not pursue you further.
2. There is no need to feel guilty. You cannot support every worthy cause. You also are not obliged to return or pay for unsolicited "gifts," such as address labels or greeting cards.
3. Pick a few charities with special meaning and which have a good record of using most of the money they receive to meet needs instead of overhead costs.
4. When you give, stipulate that you do not want your address shared. Use a postcard or the envelope provided to ask to be removed from mailing lists.
-- Maurine King
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
