Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Honolulu is preferred port
of entry for service dogsQuestion: My traveling companion is hearing impaired and uses a trained hearing dog, which accompanies her everywhere. But although the dog has been to various Caribbean islands and Mexico, Costa Rica and Curacao and through the Panama Canal, she was forbidden from setting paw on Hawaiian soil back in 1999. On July 10, 2000, the rules allegedly were changed, which is what prompted us to book another two-week cruise to Hawaii for the fall of 2003. But checking various Web sites seems to indicate that once again a certified Guide Dog will be unable to leave the ship.
It would appear that the only way you can bring a service animal into Hawaii is through the airport. Can you clarify what the rules are?
Answer: There's no problem if your friend's dog arrives by ship, although the port of entry generally would have to be in Honolulu.
In fact, "it's not unusual" for such dogs to arrive via ships, according to Dr. Isaac Maeda, manager of the state Animal Quarantine Branch.
The problem is that there isn't staff on all the outer islands, and that's why the port of entry is Honolulu, he said.
However, Maeda said accommodations have been made in the past, when possible, for such dogs to be examined at a neighbor-island port.
You should contact the quarantine station for more information on how such service dogs are handled upon arrival. Guide and service dogs still must meet the state's strict requirements for tests and inoculations.
Also, the Animal Quarantine Branch must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of arrival and be told where the dog will be staying. Information can be faxed to 808-483-7161 or telephoned to 808-837-8092.
Q: Who is responsible for those nice green-and-white signs I notice on Kamehameha Highway on the Windward side of Oahu? They are large and have names of the different areas -- Kahana, Kaaawa, etc. Underneath it says "Drive with Aloha." They are great, since there is no way to know where you are if you are a visitor.
A: The idea for the signs came from the communities themselves, according to an official with the state Department of Transportation's Highways Division.
"Their various neighborhood boards banded together to have these signs made," he said, and the DOT agreed to put them up at no cost.
Mahalo
To my mom, Malia Taefu, for everything she's done for me. I'm going to school in Alaska and haven't seen her for more than a year, but wanted to wish her a happy 40th birthday. May she be blessed with many more. She has been such a positive influence in my life and has always been there for me; I am truly blessed. -- Maave Taefu, Anchorage, Alaska (originally from Pearl City)
Mahalo
To the men of Waipa Lane, near Palama Settlement, who came to my rescue when my car and I became wedged on top of a low wall on their street on Friday, April 26. They all came out to help, and managed to free me from the wall with miraculously very minimal damage to my car. They wouldn't take anything for all their efforts, and I was so flustered I didn't get their names, but I will always remember their kindness! -- Grateful Lady in the White Station Wagon
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