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Kokua Line
Question: Why is there a leash law for dogs, but not for cats? We are surrounded by free-running cats that come onto our property and sleep on our roof, cars and fence. The worst is when they scream and make noise in the middle of the night. We are tired of being awakened with the sound of these cats every night. They also drive our dogs mad. We are responsible dog owners and if we have to comply with leash and barking laws, cat owners should have to do the same. What can we do to get rid of these stray cats from our property? Call Humane Society
about cat problemsQ: I recently moved back to Honolulu after 37 years on the mainland and I'm finally settling into my home. During this time, I've noticed my neighbor's three cats' disgusting habit of using my roof and flower beds as a receptacle for their eliminations. I have used glass jars filled with water, animal repellents and mothballs, and spent upwards of $50 for chicken wire in an effort to prevent their access to my roof and flower beds.
I am now having my property landscaped and do not wish to incorporate chicken wire into the serenity of my Japanese garden. I'm all for living in harmony with other beings, but I need some effective solutions to rid myself of this problem. Any suggestions?
Answer: The Hawaiian Humane Society is charged with enforcing the city's animal nuisance laws.
Unlike dog owners, cat owners have never been required by law to restrain their pets by leash, said Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt.
But you also have the right not to have other people's pets trespass on your property, she noted. And cats are subject to the city's animal nuisance law, which means they are not allowed to make noise continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 or more minutes "to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night and regardless of whether the animal, farm animal or poultry is physically situated in or upon private property."
(Note that the law does not apply to animals or poultry "raised, bred or kept as a commercial enterprise or for food purposes, where commercial kennels or the keeping of livestock is a permitted use.")
Also, under Chapter 7-6.2 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, cat owners are required to have some kind of identification worn by any cat over six months of age.
The first word of advice from the Humane Society is to talk to your neighbors about the problem, Holt said. If that doesn't work, you can call the Humane Society at 946-2187 either for help or to file a complaint. The organization has a brochure specifically dealing with cat problems.
Mahalo
To HPD and truck company workers who stopped to help when my car broke down in traffic on the morning of Aug. 29. Mahalo to HTF Trucking and Martin trucker Derrick -- those two let me use their cell phones to call my job -- and to the trucker who dropped me off to get help. -- C. Hamada
Auwe
To three healthy teens who hung a handicap placard on the mirror after parking a brand new BMW in a handicap stall by Charley's Taxi about 9 p.m. Aug 30. Not only did they park in a handicap stall, but they took up two spaces so nobody would scratch the car. -- D.S.
Dress patterns
Any group or individual interested in used dress patterns (wedding, evening, children, etc.)? Call Kokua Line, 525-8686, and we'll pass your name and number on to the person making the offer.
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