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Kokua Line
Question: Now that Hawaii driver licenses can have a random number on them, can stores/vendors at which we write checks still require our Social Security number? Hasn't it been against federal law all this time to have the Social Security number for identification purposes? I don't want to run into problems when I try to write a check using my new license. Giving Social Security
number to merchants
is voluntaryAnswer: There is no law, federal or otherwise, that prohibits someone from asking for your Social Security number for identification.
From the perspective of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the number has always served only one purpose -- "to track a person's earnings so that a benefit can be established at retirement or in the event of disability or death," said Tim Walsh, spokesman for the local SSA office.
Giving your Social Security number is not "required," although a merchant may ask you for it. Doing so "always is voluntary," noted Stephen Levins, acting director of the state Office of Consumer Protection.
However, refusing may result in your not receiving the item or service for which the number was requested.
The SSA advises that whenever someone asks for your number, you should ask why the number is needed; how the number will be used; what law requires you to give your number; and what the consequences are if you refuse.
Based on the answers, it's up to you to decide what to do, the SSA says.
"In most instance, (merchants) don't need the number," Levins said.
Walsh, in fact, points out that from his personal experience, "the vast majority of merchants" will accept other documents.
His California driver license, with a randomly selected number, is still acceptable here and most merchants accept it for checks.
"I suspect that business people here in Hawaii will embrace the new numbers from (the Division of Motor Vehicles) and that the SSN shouldn't be an issue as more driver licenses get into circulation," Walsh said.
Q: Who is responsible for the upkeep of the grassy areas on the sidewalks in residential areas? Who enforces it? The corner of Wekiu Street and Wekiu Place in Mililani has plumeria trees that are so overgrown that cars must drive closer to the other side and no one can walk on the sidewalk. Can you help remedy this situation?
A: Call William Deering, chief of the city's Housing Code Section, at 527-6308.
In general, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk areas abutting their properties, he said, while his office would enforce the provision dealing with this.
Normally, trees along city streets would be taken care of by the Department of Parks and Recreation. However, plumeria trees aren't usually planted by the Parks Department, Deering said.
Call him with more details and an inspector can be sent to investigate and remedy the situation.
Auwe
I just noticed on my driver's side that someone ripped off my Saturn decal emblem. This happened several times before when Saturn was introduced several years ago. Just want to warn other Saturn owners to watch out. -- R. N.
Mahalo
To the kind, honest person for turning in the plate stand I left in my cart to the customer service counter at Marukai. Many good wishes to you. -- A grateful customer
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