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Kokua Line
Question: Where can we get free sand? Twenty-plus years ago, I remember we could go to Nanakuli to scoop up some sand. Can we still do that? OK to take
one gallon of
sand per dayAnswer: Mining or taking sand, dead coral, coral rubble, rocks, soil or other marine deposits seaward of the shoreline is prohibited in the state, with four exceptions:
Under Chapter 171.58.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, you are allowed to take a maximum of one gallon per person per day of such materials "for reasonable, personal, noncommercial use."
The materials also can be removed as part of a project to replenish or protect public shoreline areas; to clear stream mouths; or to clean areas seaward of the shoreline as part of maintenance by state or city crews.
"Taking of sand on a regular basis for use as a product for sale would be considered constituting a commercial use, which is not permissible," according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Q: Is there any way to take mangos to the mainland? Is there any way they can pass the agriculture inspection?
A: The only way is if the mango is frozen, without the seed, or pickled for at least a week, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
And we're told that agriculture inspectors at the airport "have an eye" for spotting whether the fruit has been pickled for the minimum amount of time.
For more information, call the department's plant quarantine station at 586-0844.
Q: Our company conducts visitor industry-related research and just received a letter from a disgruntled tourist whose luggage got stolen while he was here. I'd like to forward it to VASH. Do you have an address?
A: You can write to the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii at 250 Lewers St., Suite 256, Honolulu 96815. You can also call 926-VASH (8274) or email vashmail@lava.net.
VASH was started in 1996 by Darrell Large, who wanted to help tourists who were robbed or hurt during their vacations. He resigned as executive director on Jan. 1, saying the organization was well established on Oahu and he wanted to turn his attention elsewhere.
Mahalo
To Marilyn and Asghar "Oscar Genghis" Khan of Hawaii Kai, who went out of their way to ensure that grandpa and grandma got safely back to Honolulu from Los Angeles. Our parents were booked on a charter flight to Las Vegas to meet their granddaughter who drove from Los Angeles. Little did we know that grandpa would need extra assistance for the flight back. Despite having to care for their own mother, who also was in a wheelchair, the Khans arranged to ride on the same shuttle, got grandma her wheelchair at the airport, helped grandpa check in and waited with them until their son came to pick them up at the airport. We hope these "two angels" see this to know how grateful we all are. -- The Itos
Auwe
To all those drivers who do not make way for the ambulance. Each time I'm caught in traffic and there is a blaring siren signaling an ambulance is attempting to get through, I get so mad. I guess the drivers think the ambulance will somehow get around them. Are these people inconsiderate or are they in a panic and don't know what to do? Police should issue tickets for this. I hope I won't need the service of an ambulance that cannot arrive at my emergency because of these drivers! -- 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