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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Mahalos and auwes
on a happy Fourth

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Happy Fourth of July! Today, we let readers share their "mahalos" and "auwes," giving us a taste of life in the 50th and youngest state, as the United States celebrates 226 years of independence.

Mahalo

On May 18, while walking down the stairs behind Shirokiya, my right knee gave way and I fell on my butt. I couldn't put pressure on my right foot and had to practically hop down, holding on to the railing. However, once on the lower level, I had nothing to hold on to. Luckily, a security guard checking delivery trucks came over to help me down the curb and to my car. He was a godsend. Driving was not a problem -- just walking. I am OK now. -- No Name

Auwe

To the woman who did not tie down her furniture in her pickup truck while driving along the H-1 freeway about 9:30 a.m. June 7. As a result a chair flew off onto the freeway near Waikele. A moving van in front of us was able to swerve out of the way, but it was too late by the time we saw it. It's costing me more than $600 to have my car repaired. People should realize they need to secure things they're transporting in an open vehicle. -- Disgruntled

Mahalo

To Russell Duarte, a Route 14 bus operator, for transporting four wheelchair passengers simultaneously on April 4 from Diamond Head to Kahala Mall and again on a return trip. City buses are equipped to handle two wheelchairs, but he accommodated them all by collapsing two of the wheelchairs and placing the passengers in regular seats. His act of aloha saved these passengers and their caregivers from waiting an hour for the next bus. -- A Very Impressed TheBus Rider

Auwe

To the three ladies who walk about 5:15 to 5:30 a.m. along Waimano Home Road, talking story. They are walking on the road because they all can't fit on the sidewalk. It's dangerous for them and dangerous for motorists who can't see them in the dark. Please get the message out to them. They should know better. -- No Name

Mahalo

To three good Samaritans who went out of their way to help me get my van off the curb in the Piikoi Street Blockbuster parking lot on June 14. Without their assistance, my van would have been stranded. But these three individuals took control and, by placing lumber under a tire, we were able to move my van. My two daughters and I greatly appreciated their help. -- No Name

Auwe

To the companies that use the public parking stalls in front of their stores to conduct business. Where do they expect their customers to park? -- No Name

Mahalo

To Jane Soo. I was in a car accident at Punahou and Nehoa streets on July 1. Even though she had somewhere else to go, she was so nice and helpful, staying as a witness, helping us call police, watching our car and helping the other driver stay calm. She sacrificed her time to help. -- Tracy Langhurst-Matsuda

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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