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Kokua Line
Question: I visited my family on Oahu recently after a 12-year absence and was appalled at the filthy conditions as our Hawaiian Air jet taxied to the gate. The rubbish alongside the runways was awful! My first thought was "is this the first impression our visitors have of Oahu?" Why can't the state have prisoners or someone in charge clean up that eyesore? Runways are usually
kept free of trashAnswer: No need to panic, according to state airports administrator Jerry Matsuda.
There are airport maintenance crews, but strong winds and rainy weather had prevented them from doing normal maintenance of the runway and taxiway areas, he said.
Since then, all scheduled cleaning has been completed, he said.
"Rest assured we are concerned about the cleanliness of our airfield area," Matsuda said.
Q: In February, the company I worked for went out of business and filed for bankruptcy. Several of us were not told of this and were unable to cash our checks at First Hawaiian Bank. I filled out forms at the bankruptcy office. After all these months, we still haven't been able to cash our checks. What else can we do?
A: You provided no details and no contact number, so the best we can suggest is to contact the Office of the U.S. Trustee, which oversees bankruptcy cases. Call 522-8150.
If you provide a case name and number, the office could either give you a status of the bankruptcy proceedings, or put you in contact with the trustee assigned to the case, said Gayle Lau, assistant U.S. trustee.
Q: I work for a transportation company and one of my duties is picking up and dropping people off at Diamond Head Crater. Can taxi drivers get out of their cars at the crater and go up to everyone and try to hustle up business? Are there any laws or guidelines regarding taxi drivers? I have witnessed this behavior on two separate occasions.
A: Taxi drivers are "not supposed to" solicit fares within a state park, said state parks administrator Ralston Nagata.
While enforcement officers make periodic checks, it's a regulation that's "difficult to enforce," he said, because a driver has to be caught in the act of solicitation.
Auwe
The beautiful Waikiki Beach restoration has been marred by the addition of glaring spotlights along the beach. For many decades, a nighttime beach stroll has ranked as one of Waikiki's wonders and ambient lighting from Kalakaua Avenue all these years seems to have ensured a safe, lighted environment. The new lights are so bright they hurt the eyes and ruin stargazing. Couldn't officials have chosen more subdued lighting, such as that which flanks the coastal walkway in nearby Kalakaua park? -- No name(We passed on your "auwe" to Ben Lee, the city's managing director who oversaw the project, but he obviously likes the lights. He has not responded. Try calling him yourself at 527-6634. Good luck.)
Mahalo
To all those who came to our aid when our car was broadsided at the intersection of Moanalua Road and the Pearl City off-ramp on Veteran's Day. We truly appreciate all you've done for us. -- No Name
Auwe
To the man in a Toyota Tercel who left his infant in his car when he went to get his mail at the Wahiawa Post Office about 9:20 a.m. Dec. 6. He should worry more about his baby than his mail. -- 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