Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: We went to Kakaako Waterfront Park this summer and noticed the park is infested with small biting brown bugs, almost like fleas, except the bite didn't hurt. It was more irritating than anything. A number of people were complaining about it. Do you know if they are doing anything about this? Keep eye out for biting
bugs at Kakaako parkAnswer: Nothing is being done about it now because neither park workers nor the Hawaii Community Development Authority, which oversees the park, are aware there is a problem.
No one else has complained about the bugs, said Jan Yokota, executive director of the authority.
Next time you or any other park-goer are bugged by the little creatures, Yokota said to contact a park worker or the agency, at 587-2870.
We also checked with Dick Tsuda, an insect identification specialist with the University of Hawaii's insect diagnostic clinic.
With the little information provided, he said he couldn't say offhand what that bug might be. But you can call him at 956-6742 and he'll look into it.
It would be even be better if you could provide him with a specimen.
Q: At 4:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, I was awakened by someone driving nails and two political signs for Les Among on a freshly painted wall at Ala Wai Marine. I do not know whether they had permission to post these signs or not. If they did, why do it at 4:40 a.m. and then take off on a moped? I tried to get a phone number for his campaign office to register a complaint but was unsuccessful.
A: Among, who is running for the state Senate and who is listed in the phone book, said friends at Ala Wai Marine posted the signs after he personally painted over obscene graffiti on the wall.
He said he's sorry if the pounding disturbed you, but that, in general, "I feel good about" the community service he did in covering up the graffiti.
However, the general manager of Ala Wai Marine was surprised when we called him Monday to verify what happened.
He said he did not know the signs had been posted. After talking with Among, he said, "He apologized for any hassle and said he would take them down."
Whether or not graffiti was painted over, "Our position here is that we're a business ... and I'm not interested in having signs over there."
Mahalo
To the Honolulu Police Department motorcycle patrol at the Ewa-bound Kahuapaani onramp of the H-1/H-3 merge at 8:35 p.m. Friday, July 19. It wasn't a good time to stop and say "thanks!" A silver pickup truck had been tailgating us at 60 mph ever since the onramp and the driver had just cut us off at the merge. He then slowed down in front our car, turned around to face us, and began gesticulating and mouthing his feelings. Unfortunately for him, his performance was also witnessed by the patrol officer who promptly pulled him over. Our 10-year-old daughter witnessed the whole affair and it made quite an impression. -- No Name
Useful phone numbers
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