---

State offers free
lead test for ceramics

Question: Several years back, there was a lot of publicity about toxic lead in our pottery or porcelain dishes. A few companies sprouted up that had kits to test dishes. What happened to them, and how do I obtain a valid test kit?

Answer: You don't need a test kit, although you can check with local hardware stores or online sources.

Just call the state Department of Health's Food and Drug Branch at 586-4725, and it will test for lead in your ceramic dishes -- for free.

You only need to bring in one dish from a set for testing. Testing is done once a month, usually at the end of the month, according to Sandra Hung, an inspector with the Food and Drug Branch.

The branch is located in the Ala Moana Health Center, 591 Ala Moana.

Q: Aside from killing all the grass on the medians and narrowing the onramps and offramps to the H-1 freeway from Likelike Highway, what is the state trying to accomplish? I see little progress of anything substantive going on there except for the grass being removed.

A: The state Department of Transportation is installing a new irrigation system in that area.

Workers soon will start planting beach naupaka, creeping vines and Bermuda grass to beautify the area, said transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa. "We hope to have most of this in by the end of December," he said.

Q: Who is the brains behind the new commercials for Ala Moana Center? I particularly love the commercials depicting the different foods available at the Food Court, the "cutie pie" romping on the beach and, most recently, the "lost elf." Even the music accompanying these commercials is entertaining, and I never tire of them.

A: The holiday commercials, involving the elf, were handled by the advertising agency Milici Valenti Ng Pack and were inspired by Ala Moana Center's Christmas program, said Sharon James, regional vice president of marketing for General Growth Properties, the center's owner.

The program is based on the book "The Christmas Gift of Aloha," written by Lisa Matsumoto, illustrated by Michael Furuya and published by 'Ohi'a Productions.

The other commercials also were done by Milici Valenti Ng Pack, said James, who also was involved in their production.

Mahalo

To the state Civil Defense, Hawaii National Guard, and City and County Refuse and Bulky Item divisions for a tremendous job in easing the tasks of Manoa Valley flood victims. We are forever grateful. To my dearest friends and relatives, we will always cherish your thoughtfulness and kindness for your hard work, support, advice and donations. Mahalo also to the 50-plus people at Kapahulu Bible Church for your donations and assistance. And our gratitude goes out to Manoa Safeway and to Andy Rodrigues of Andy's Sandwich & Smoothies, whose motto is "Do good things to others and good things will come around." -- Madge Kanno

|

---

---