Kokua Line June Watanabe

---

Postal rates are
universal for distance

---

Question: Recently, I shipped a parcel to an APO (Army Post Office) address. The postal clerk told me I could send the parcel Airmail/Priority or Surface/Nonpriority. The former would cost $17.50, and the latter would be about 40 cents less. Why is there so little difference between the two rates? And, why would anyone select nonpriority when the costs are so close? Does the same insignificant difference apply on the mainland?

Answer: First, there is no "Hawaii rate," said Lynne Moore, manager of consumer affairs for the U.S. Postal Service in Hawaii.

Rates are set according to distance and zones: "Our rates are universal, so if you're going the same distance -- from here to the mainland or the mainland to here, there is no surcharge," Moore said.

Whether a parcel is sent by air or surface mail, the same sorting and processing by employees would be required, she explained. So the major factor in determining rates is the cost of transportation.

For lighter items, "the costs of transportation are quite close," Moore said, while the sorting and processing costs for air and surface parcels are the same.

But when you get to the heavier parcels, transportation really comes into play, and that's where you'll see the difference in costs, she said.

It behooves you to always ask the difference in price.

"You'd be surprised that people do take the lesser cost, even if it may be, in (your) eyes, not very much," Moore said. "If you were shipping many parcels, then the amount would add up and the customer may choose to send by surface."

Auwe

My family attended the Fourth of July fireworks show at Ala Moana Park. It was the best that we have seen, and thank Ala Moana Center and everyone involved for making it happen. We were very concerned, however, about the numerous fireworks that people in the crowd (even young children) were setting off, creating safety and health hazards to all. Later, we noticed that cars had been ticketed for parking on the bridge next to the lagoon. Why wasn't the fireworks ban for Ala Moana Park enforced? Next year, would a "no personal fireworks" announcement beforehand be possible, with enforcement during the day? -- No Name

The Honolulu Police Department did issue warnings about parking, camping and fireworks restrictions at Ala Moana Park for the Fourth of July holiday ("Kokua Line," July 1).

We passed on your observations to HPD and asked if anyone was cited for fireworks violations.

No citations were issued, according to HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu, "but officers are aware of the problem and are looking into how to handle it next year," she said.

Mahalo

Belatedly, to some good Samaritans who helped me when my car died in front of Pauoa Chop Suey last month. They made a stressful situation much less so by helping me get my car out of a busy intersection during rush hour. These kind individuals really restored my faith in people! -- Lynn Honda

|

---

Useful phone numbers

---

See the Columnists section for some past articles.

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