Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Keep eye out for speeders
on Lake WilsonQuestion: There are quite a few boaters who cruise Lake Wilson (Wahiawa) fishing or just sightseeing. However, lately, there is a new breed constantly speeding throughout the lake. With the current cutback in funds, we no longer have the fish and game wardens who used to patrol the area for fishing licenses and life preservers on boats. As a result, these boaters are churning at speeds of 45 mph and higher. We have a family of ducks that regularly hang out at the North Fork, and I am very afraid these speeding boats will eventually run them down. Could you please publicize a warning to the boaters to SLOW DOWN?
Answer: Call the State Department of Land & Natural Resources' Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division at 587-0077.
"We encourage people to report anyone who's engaged in any activity -- speeding in places like Lake Wilson or any other kind of questionable or illegal activity," said Gary Moniz, the division's administrator.
Speeding boats are a "continuous" problem, and violators have been cited, he said.
From time to time, complaints are received, he said, and "we talk to boaters -- the various boating clubs and groups -- about the proper speed on the water, which is slow, no wake, meaning the boat operates at a speed not to cause a wake. That's relatively slow."
When you call the hot line, give as much detail as possible, including the date, time and location; a description of the occupants; a description of the boat, including identifying numbers written on the boat; and any vehicle or trailer that the boat is placed upon. In short, "whatever general information they can provide for us is very helpful," Moniz said.
Even though enforcement officers may not personally witness a violation, "we can do some follow-up and find the registered owner," he said.
Q: There's a burned-out van parked on the side of the H-3 freeway, Kailua-bound, between the Likelike Highway exit and the Kamehameha Highway exit. It's been there for three weeks. I think it is hazardous and an eyesore. Can you find out when it's going to be removed?
A: The van finally was towed away last Thursday, after we passed on your concern to the Honolulu Police Department.
An officer had earlier cited the vehicle and called a towing company to remove it, said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu. However, the company initially balked because the vehicle did not have any identification. Police will attempt to track down the van's owner, Yu said.
Q: I missed my jury duty to the state Circuit Court. Am I going to be in big trouble?
A: No.
State Judiciary officials acknowledge that people may sometimes be away on trips or simply forget about their summons to serve on a jury.
You automatically will be sent a second notice, about two to three weeks later, said Freida Baker, jury clerk supervisor.
If you fail to show up a second time, "it's up to the courts to decide what they want to do," she said.
Chronic no-shows can eventually be found in contempt of court.
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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