Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Kokua Line
Question: Can you shed some light on the rules or laws regarding lost and found? In Europe, apparently the law is that the finder takes everything to "lost and found" in any city and they get 10 percent of the value of what has been lost. I found some money on Tuesday, Jan. 23, outside Starbucks in Manoa and gave it to them to hold in case someone claimed it. After a couple of days, no one had claimed it so I asked for it. To make a long story short, I got the money, but after what I felt was a real hassle. I felt I did the right thing but would like to know what the law or rule is on this. What to do with
‘lost and found’ itemsAnswer: You did do the right thing, but should have turned the money over to the police and should have waited a bit longer.
According to Chapter 52D-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, except for the section dealing with money found at state airports, "all money or property found shall be reported or delivered by the finder to the chief of police of the county. When so delivered, it shall be held by the chief of police for 45 days or until claimed by some person who establishes title or right of custody ... "
As the finder, you then could lay claim to that money after 45 days. However, if you do not claim the money within 30 days of being notified by the chief of police, then the money and all other found, stolen or unclaimed property is supposed to be put up for public auction. All unclaimed money and money made from the sale of property then is turned over to the city director of finance.
Money or property found at the airport is basically handled the same way, except that the airport director has authority to deposit the money into the airport revenue fund if the finder does not claim it within 30 days of notification.
Q: I was a resident of Hawaii from 1963 to 1980. I will be returning to my "home" this next May for good. I am interested in volunteering for some kind of help agency or something to preserve Hawaiiana. I am 62 years old and a full-time working nurse, but will have at least one day or two a week for volunteer work. Any ideas?
A: The Star-Bulletin's Today section regularly publishes a list of organizations and agencies looking for volunteers. Check Page 2 of the Today section each Tuesday, as well as online at starbulletin.com
If there are any groups looking for volunteers to "help preserve Hawaiiana," call Kokua Line at 525-8686 and leave a message.
Auwe
The IRS on Saturday mornings is open for assistance to taxpayers (during the tax season), which is a very valuable and helpful service. But when you go down to the federal building, the building is closed. There is no way to know how to get in. The sentry told me I had to go to the exit and wave at the sentries inside. They should at least put up a sign on Saturdays that says "visitors please go to the exit." -- No Name(The IRS has contacted the General Services Administrtion, which oversees the federal building, after hearing of your complaint. Signs were to be posted directing taxpayers to the after-hours entrances.)
Mahalo
To all the postal clerks at Makiki Post Office, who are courteous and proficient at all times. They maintain excellent service, despite the many months of noisy, dusty construction, scaffolding, Christmas long lines, price increase in postage and advent of the popular Chinese New Year serpent stamps. -- Mabel Chang
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