Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What's being done about the pollution in Lake Wilson in Wahiawa? Over the past several months, there's a plant that looks like rubbish that is grabbing onto the sides of the shoreline and multiplying in great numbers. If there's no wind, it breaks off and floats to the center of the lake. When the wind comes, it's blown onto the shoreline. It's almost as bad as the hyacinths that polluted the lake before. State is monitoring
Lake Wilson plantsAnswer: State aquatic specialists regularly monitor the floating plant -- called salvinia -- and don't consider it a problem.
The plant is under control and won't overgrow the lake, said Glenn Higashi, an aquatic biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, who manages the public fishing areas.
The salvinia actually came in with the water hyacinths a few years ago. The latter posed a major problem but have since been eradicated, Higashi said.
The salvinia is a smaller plant that grows only about an inch high at maximum, so it stays relatively flat to the surface and is not a danger to aquatic creatures or an obstacle to navigation, he said.
There is no danger in the salvinia taking over the lake like the hyacinths because it doesn't grow as big. Also, when a boat goes by, the wake of it will wash the plants ashore, where they will eventually just dry out, Higashi said.
"We have been keeping track of it and have sprayed it" as needed, he said. The spray used is Rodeo, which is authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in wetland areas, Higashi said. "That seems to kill it."
Q: I live at the Ala Wai Plaza overlooking Ala Wai Park. What hours are set for use of the park grounds? A group of boys has been playing basketball since before 6:30 a.m. Friday. It's very noisy and you can't sleep through that. Others play basketball until 9:30 or so at night, and that's it. But this early playing -- is there some rule regarding games?
A: Ala Wai Neighborhood Park may be used from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the park is closed between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to William Balfour, director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
"The basketball courts are lighted until 9:45 p.m.," he said. "As long as there is light, the basketball player can play, even at 6:30 a.m."
Auwe
To the driver of the gray SUV who cut me off at the corner of King Street and Elsie Lane at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6. I was about to turn from the left lane onto Elsie Lane when he proceeded to cut me off from the lane to the right of mine. He pursued my car onto Young Street and proceeded to yell profanities at me when I stopped at the red light. He then threw a plastic soda bottle at my car when I refused to listen to his ranting and raving. People like him don't deserve to drive. Unfortunately, I did not get his license number to report him to police. -- S. Lee
Mahalo
To my angel who found my stamped envelope with a payment in it. I lost it somewhere at Honolulu Community College as I was on my way to mail it during lunch on Aug. 20. This person had the courtesy and honesty to mail it for me. It took a whole load of worry off my mind! I hope one day your kindness will be returned 10-fold! -- Clara Bantolina
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