Kokua Line
Kokua Line
No charges are pending
for illegal Natatorium useQuestion: How was it that a group of pro-Waikiki War Memorial & Natatorium restoration supporters had the legally locked-up facility opened recently to allow them to swim there, with a TV crew on hand, to promote their cause? We understand the gate was opened for them by someone who works for a company that was involved in the restoration. Are the violators going to be charged?
Answer: At this point it doesn't look like any charges will be filed.
Although there are rumors about who might have let the group sponsoring the unauthorized "Waikiki Natatorium Bacteria-Free Sprint 2002 Invitational" into the Natatorium, the city has no proof as to how they got in, according to an official with the city Department of Parks & Recreation.
"No key was issued to (the group) illegally," he said. Apparently, "someone leaked the combination to the lock (holding the gate closed) to them, and they got in."
A grounds maintenance worker saw what was happening, asked whether the group was authorized to be there and was told that authority had been given "by so-and-so," the parks official said. However, by the time the worker verified that that was not true, "they had done their race and left," he said.
"It was pretty well organized to make a statement in the press that this (facility) ought not be left idle."
The Star-Bulletin did not report on the incident.
The Parks Department received several calls complaining about the staged event, the official said.
"We said we understand, we did not authorize it and it was trespassing," he said. "But since they were gone, we couldn't invoke anything on anybody."
Since that incident, however, "security has been addressed" and the lock changed to make sure something like that can't happen again, he said.
Although renovations to the facade, arches, bleachers, restrooms and locker areas were completed two years ago, the saltwater pool remains closed because of health concerns.
Q: Honda Windward recently renovated their building, and there's now a huge "H" atop their building. Isn't that considered a sign and, if so, how can that be legal? I remember reading that Dave & Buster's had to take down its sign because it was too big.
A: The city Building Division received similar inquiries about the sign. An inspection showed "the 'H' does meet our land use ordinance," according to division chief Melvin Lee.
"The size of signs allowed depends on the zoning, building frontage and wall area," he said.
Q: There are many so-called Free Lottos on the Internet. You don't have to buy anything to play. If you are lucky (a long shot), you could win millions. Is this kind of lottery legal in Hawaii for us to play?
A: In the March 25 "Kokua Line," we explained that three elements are necessary for something to constitute gambling: consideration, chance and a prize. Gambling, except for "social gambling," as defined by state law, is illegal in Hawaii.
"All three things have to be present for it to be gambling," explained Honolulu police Lt. Kevin Thomas of the Narcotics/Vice Division. "Which-ever one you take out, then (playing the game) is legal" in Hawaii.
If, as you say, playing Lotto games on the Internet are "absolutely free," then you are not prohibited from doing so from Hawaii. But if you are required, for example, to become a member and pay a membership fee, "then it's different," Thomas said.
Got a question or complaint?
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
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