Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I notice there are two surveillance cameras on the beach at Ala Moana Park. Why was there no public input? Who views those cameras and who's going to make sure they're not going to be used just to "check out girls on the beach." Ala Moana cameras
check beach and oceanAnswer: Big Brother is not on the look-out for bikinis, Ralph Goto, head of the city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services, assures you.
"The camera (only one) in question is for us to watch the ocean," he said. It's part of a demonstration project at Ala Moana to monitor beach and ocean conditions, especially in unguarded areas on Oahu. "It's certainly not to watch people or lifeguards," Goto said.
The camera, mounted on a light pole between lifeguard towers 1B and 1C at the Ewa end, is on loan from the city Department of Transportation Services and is the same as those used to monitor traffic.
The closed-circuit camera, which can be panned, is monitored by the Ocean Safety Division's training center, housed in the old concession building at the Ewa end of Ala Moana. The center also serves as the office for the Ala Moana lifeguard lieutenant.
In addition to monitoring ocean conditions, Goto's division is working with the University of Hawaii's Oceanography Department to take wave measurements and height readings. "One of the thoughts is to compare the image of wave heights with (UH) buoy readings to get accurate surf heights," he said.
The demonstration, which is not costing the division any extra money, is expected to last about another month before it is evaluated, Goto said.
Circulation problems
To all readers who left messages with Kokua Line regarding non-delivery of the Star-Bulletin: We hope you are now able to read this apology. We forwarded all names and telephone numbers to the circulation department, which has not been able to respond immediately because of the flood of complaints. We hope you don't give up on us.
Mahalo
To the kind gentleman and lady for stopping to help my Dad and me when our truck stalled on Kamehameha Highway going north past the Kipapa Gulch bridge on the night of Feb. 20. You were both so kind to lend a hand and help divert traffic around our truck and provide road flares while a call was placed for a tow truck. It's people like you that make Hawaii a wonderful place to live. -- J.R.
Auwe
To the "gentleman" at the Diamond Head "Bark Park" around 3:30 p.m. March 10, who took no action to get his two dogs under control while they attacked my dog. My dog was on a first visit to the park, so I kept her in harness and on leash while I read the rules. I especially noted that owners are required to maintain voice command of their dogs. As I was trying to shield my dog and discourage yours, you did nothing to assist even though you sat about 35 yards away. Your dogs bit my dog's ears and tail severely enough to warrant medical treatment. I couldn't even speak to you because I was so enraged. You never even had the decency to apologize. -- Jim Clement
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Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
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