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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Aloha Stadium maintains
security checks for grads

Question: Several high schools are having their graduation ceremonies at the Aloha Stadium. Are there any restrictions on what items you can bring into the stadium? For example, can you bring in handbags, umbrellas, lei, balloons, etc.? Or, do we need to follow the restrictive rules as with football games?

Answer: For the most part, the stadium's security and bag check policy remains in place for all graduation ceremonies.

However, officials will be allowing "traditional" flower, natural seed and fabric lei into the facility, a stadium spokesman said. If the lei are carried in plastic bags, the bags will be subject to a check.

Asked whether any specific kind of lei might be prohibited, he said security officials will try to handle "questionable lei issues" on a case-by-case basis, accommodating the public whenever possible.

"Any lei (heavy or large solid objects) that can be thrown into a crowd and cause injury to others will be evaluated by security," he said.

Meanwhile, be warned that the following restrictions will apply: No coolers, bags, purses, handbags, backpacks, outside food or beverages, bottles, cans, fireworks, noisemakers and umbrellas, as well as the obvious illegal contraband or weapons.

Fanny packs will be permitted, but they also will be subject to check by stadium security.

Q: I want to have my name legally changed. What is the process?

A: You have to go through the lieutenant governor's office.

According to Hawaii Revised Statutes 574-5, a person seeking a name change has to submit a notarized petition to the lieutenant governor, who then has the authority to grant the change by administrative order. In the case of a minor, the petition has to be submitted by parents or guardian.

There is a nonrefundable filing fee of $100 which must accompany the petition.

Once approved by the lieutenant governor, a notice of the name change is required to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the state and be recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances. The latter fee is $25, while publication fees vary depending on what publication you choose.

In the case of minors, both parents have to agree to a name change. If the minor is 10 years old or older, he or she must consent as well. If one parent cannot be located or does not give consent, the name change must be obtained through Family Court.

The name change process usually takes six to eight weeks.

For more specific information on procedures, call 586-0255, fax 586-0231 or e-mail ltgov@exec.state.hi.us.

Mahalo

To Rob and his son from Royal Kunia for helping me around noon Saturday, April 20, when I got a flat tire near the Waikele Shopping Center offramp. They stopped in their Jeep and offered to help me, particularly in view of the heavy traffic. I thanked them for their kokua but would like to send them an appreciation of my gratitude -- Mel

(Rob, call "Kokua Line" at 529-4773, and we'll put you in touch with Mel.)

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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.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com