Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What is the hot-line number to report the sale of cigarettes without the state tax stamp? How to report sale
of illegal cigarettesAnswer: For now, call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or, if you live on a neighbor island, call the state Department of Health's Tobacco Prevention and Education Program at 1-888-810-8112, said state Deputy Attorney General Earl Hoke.
Already, 18 arrests have been made in conjunction with the new state law, which took effect Jan. 1, requiring cigarette and tobacco wholesalers and dealers to affix a stamp to the bottom of each pack of tobacco as proof that 5-cents-a-pack taxes were paid.
Beginning April 1, the stamps had to be on all cigarette packages sold in the state, except at military bases. Between April 1-9, 18 people -- all on Oahu -- were arrested for violating the new law, Hoke said. He declined to give specifics on those arrested, saying only that investigations were nearing completion. Violators face fines of between $500 and $1,000.
The Attorney General's Office is overseeing compliance of the new law, meant to crack down on the sales of untaxed cigarettes.
The state has been receiving about $40 million a year in cigarette and tobacco taxes, but it is unknown how much more is lost when untaxed cigarettes are sold at lower prices.
Q: We attempted to use a coupon for a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" admission to a Disney on Ice performance at the Blaisdell Center on Dec. 25, Monday matinee, but was VERY nastily told by the box office clerk that we were unable to use it. Basically, she negated everything we said: that they only accepted it the week before, that it had expired, that what we were seeing wasn't a scheduled performance. But after we saw the show (we purchased two tickets at the regular price), we contacted the Disney Club, who contacted the Blaisdell, and both parties admitted that we should have been able to use the coupon. Since we are entitled to a refund, we would like to receive one but have been denied it. Is there any way to receive the refund?
A: Please call or write us back with your name and number/address. In your case it probably was a misunderstanding that caused you not to have a refund.
City Enterprise Services Director Barry Fukunaga apologized for any inconvenience caused but said the box office manager needs more specific information -- such as your name or location of your seats -- to address your refund request.
Q: Why wasn't the governor at Hickam Air Force Base to welcome the airmen from China last Thursday?
A: Maj. Gen. Edward Correa, the adjutant general for the state Department of Defense, represented Gov. Ben Cayetano that day, explained Cayetano's press secretary, Kim Murakawa.
"He does that whenever the governor feels it is appropriate, and at military events it is not uncommon for Correa to represent him," she said.
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com