[ OUR OPINION ]
Barriers needed
against West NileTHE possibility of the West Nile virus reaching Hawaii became less remote as it crept from the East Coast across the mainland. Its arrival last week in California should prompt safeguards aimed at preventing carriers of the disease from boarding Hawaii-bound airplanes or arriving in the mail.
THE ISSUE The virus has spread across the mainland but has yet to arrive in Hawaii.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that acquired it by feeding on infected birds. Migratory birds are believed to have transported the virus from Africa, where it had been isolated in Uganda's West Nile District, to New York in the summer of 1999. The virus multiplies in the blood system of a person bitten by an infected mosquito, interfering with normal central nervous system functions. It can lead to encephalitis, a potentially lethal inflammation of brain tissue.
Less than 1 percent of the people bitten by infected mosquitoes become severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but nearly 1,300 Americans have been infected and at least 54 have died from the disease, including one in California. Illinois has been hardest hit, with more than 300 people infected and 13 deaths.
The biggest concern in Hawaii is that birds brought to the islands by plane or in the mail may be infected, beginning the cycle that has occurred on the mainland. State House Speaker Calvin Say has suggested to the congressional delegation that the interiors of Hawaii-bound planes be sprayed with low-risk pesticides, birds bound for Hawaii be quarantined a week before shipment and birds not be allowed to enter the state through the postal system.
Wildlife biologists are concerned that the West Nile virus, if it reaches Hawaii, could infect 29 endangered species. "We think it's got the potential to decimate our native birds," says Paul Conry, manager of the state's wildlife program.
Claudia Hamblin-Katnik of the Secretariat for Conservation Biology at the East-West Center says the virus "has major consequences for both human health and the health, indeed continued existence, of native birds. Hawaii cannot sit on the fence with this one."
The state Department of Health began spraying pesticides to control mosquitoes more than a month ago. With the spread of the virus to the West Coast, more barriers are needed to prevent it from landing in Hawaii.
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Save 911 for real
emergency callsTHE Honolulu Police Department's request that a 311 telephone number be used for nonemergency calls merits serious consideration. The 311 system would free the existing 911 network for true emergencies and reduce possible delays in providing police, fire or medical assistance. The City Council should approve a resolution that would move toward establishing the new system.
THE ISSUE HPD seeks to unclog the 911 system by setting up a 311 number for routine complaints and problems.
At present, the public calls 911 for any aid or problem that may involve police or other emergency personnel. As a result, 68 percent of the 64,500 calls made in July in which people sought the police were for nonemergency situations, such as barking dogs or parking violations.
A police official told the Council that 911 logs more than 1 million calls a year and has increased annually. Callers are often placed on hold because of the heavy volume, he said, which could have dangerous consequences. Further, people may hesitate to call police if they think their complaint may not constitute an immediate emergency.
In 1997, the federal government set aside 311 as the telephone number for reporting nonemergencies to ease clogged 911 systems. Baltimore, which was the first to use the number, now incorporates a number of city services in its system, making it easier for the public to get help for matters other than emergencies. It also allows officials keep track of the performances of city agencies in meeting citizen demands. Chicago uses its 311 system similarly and as a backup for its 911 number. New York City is considering installing 311 as a way to consolidate 40 of its help hot lines.
Of course, such undertakings are costly; HPD estimates that it will take from $1 million to $5 million. The 911 system is paid for through a 27-cent monthly fee that the phone company charges customers. Approval from the state Legislature is needed for an additional surcharge for 311. HPD suggest that fees be assessed not only from standard phone customers, but on cellular lines as well, which makes sense as cell phones proliferate.
Consumers are likely to balk if the outlay for a 311 system is too high. However, the benefit of getting emergency help quickly may overtake that issue.
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Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, Publisher
Frank Bridgewater, Editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, Assistant Editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, Assistant Editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.comMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor, 529-4790; mpoole@starbulletin.com
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