|
Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Some houses need
their own utility poleQuestion: On April 9, a truck knocked down an electrical pole near our house in Aiea and everything went down. The electricity was restored on the old line, but we were told by the telephone and cable companies that we had to install a pole on our house to get phone and cable service. We hired a contractor to do that. But why should we have to put the pole up ourselves and pay for it if we're subscribers to the telephone and cable companies?
Answer: Under the state Public Utilities Commission regulations, the customer is responsible for providing and maintaining a point of connection for telephone and electrical wires, "if necessary," said Ann Nishida, spokeswoman for Verizon Hawaii.
The point of connection is referred to as a "mast."
As specified in Verizon's PUC Tariff No. 1, "the customer is responsible to provide and maintain such a structure if one is necessary to maintain required height clearances," Nishida said.
The mast must allow for a minimum clearance of 18 feet from the middle of the road and a minimum of 16 feet at the curb.
Nishida noted that Hawaiian Electric connects to a separate mast, because of the high voltage potential of its connection.
Apparently, the electrical mast was not affected by the accident if your electrical service was not disrupted.
Meanwhile, Oceanic Cable also requires customers to provide an "infrastructure" by which to connect a cable line, said Sandy Davis, director of customer care.
Oceanic is not regulated by the PUC. The requirement is simply a part of the company's procedures, Davis said.
Q: We live in a six-story apartment building. The managers told us that the elevators would be out of service for two weeks. We have a lot of elderly people and this will be a hardship on them. Plus, what about safety? Can they do this? We've tried to get answers, but get no response. Who can we call about this?
A: In the future, you can call 586-9141, which is the number for the Boiler & Elevator Inspection Branch for the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
They will look into complaints about elevators not being safe or not being maintained properly.
However, there is nothing in the law regarding requiring elevator service in an apartment building, according to one of the elevator inspectors we spoke with.
Neither is there any law requiring an elevator that is shut down be returned to service within a certain time, he said.
Mahalo
Belatedly, to the City for the great and speedy job in installing a bench for my mother and me to sit on while awaiting the #14 bus on Kahala Avenue. Many others use this bus stop and it is greatly appreciated by all. Mahalo also to the Oahu Transit Service bus drivers for their patience, kindness and courtesy to all riders, especially to the handicapped and senior citizens who rely on DaBus. -- K. Bell
|
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