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Kokua Line
Question: What ever happened to the radar cameras that were going to be used to control speeders and red-light runners? Are we going to be informed when they commence operation? Will the installation locations be publicized? Will signs be posted near camera locations, as they are in other states? State still plans to
have traffic camerasAnswer: It's still "all systems go" on the long-talked-about traffic video program, but exactly when it will be up and running is still unknown.
The state Department of Transportation is in the process of negotiating a contract with the vendor, Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. of San Francisco.
The target date for installing the digital camera/laser system to catch red-light violators is August, said John Lovstedt, the DOT's highway safety manager.
"The public will be notified" through a public-information program as well as a break-in period, when only warning citations will be issued, he said.
There also will be signs posted at the intersections where the cameras are installed, he said.
The cameras will be set up at selected intersections in all four counties.
The system will cost an estimated $2 million to implement but will not cost the state any money up front. However, the vendor will receive a portion of each traffic fine, which now is pocketed by the state.
Q: Where is the bookstore that sells books by the pound? I think it was downtown.
A: Bestsellers, at Bishop Square downtown, has used various advertising methods to sell certain books, among them books by the pound.
"We do it from time to time," said Millie Yap, the store's assistant administrative manager.
Ending today is the "rainbow sale," which involves books priced to sell at 99 cents to $9.99 each, she said. The books are color-coded, so if you buy one tagged yellow, you get another yellow-coded book for free, she said.
Of the books-by-the-pound sale, Yap said, "It was great advertising and the people loved it, so I'm sure they'll bring it back."
Call 528-2378 if you want to find out when.
Red flag for mail pickup
U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman Felice Broglio says she mistakenly gave outdated information ("Kokua Line," March 6) when she said carriers are not required to pick up mail at a single-family home if they have no mail to deliver there.That policy changed years ago, she said. Carriers now are required to pick up mail from curb-side boxes (emphasizing curb-side) if the red flag on the box is up.
"Most letter carriers in general bend over backward to provide extra service every day on their routes," she added.
Mahalo
To two "angels." About 9:15 p.m. Feb. 23, I accidentally locked my car keys in my car while shopping at Ala Moana Center. I went to the customer service desk, and they told me they would get security to help. Sure enough, Guy Furukawa and Marvin "Smitty" Smith came and helped me open my car and get my keys. -- D.M. Cadiente
Mahalo
To Gary in a white Honda Civic, who helped my husband change a flat tire and ruined rim on Kamehameha Highway around 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. We had to stop right before Kipapa Gulch bridge, heading to Mililani, because of a boulder. It's refreshing to see there are still people who care enough to help others in time of need. Our family wishes Gary and his family all the best. -- No Name
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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