Question: It seems that birthday parties are getting more and more elaborate these days, and the “;bouncy house”; seems to be a standard feature of these “;mega-picnics.”; I find the generators that power these inflatables to be disturbing to the peace and tranquility of the beach or park that others are trying to enjoy. Are there rules regarding the use of these in city parks?

Answer: Not really.

Two years ago, when we addressed this issue (see “;Kokua Line,”; Aug. 14, 2006), we were told the city Department of Parks and Recreation was drafting more restrictive rules—subject to public hearing—for the use of the inflatable structures.

However, regulating inflatables has proved not to be that simple.

“;We're still wrestling”; with the issue, said Parks Director Lester Chang.

In the course of looking into the increased popularity of the inflatables, parks officials realized they really had no rules for them, except that they could not be set up in the water.

Initially, we were told a parks permit was required for inflatables that operate by means of a generator. Permits set a maximum allowable limit of 85 decibels for the generators.

However, Chang said the rules covering generators apply only to camping areas, not to open park areas where the inflatables are usually set up.

If they are part of an activity or event that requires a permit, then “;we may put some stipulations”; regarding their use, he said. Otherwise, at this point, inflatables “;are treated like any other activity in the park,”; meaning there really are no restrictions.

Although you mentioned the annoyance of noise, Chang said the primary concern is public safety. Another concern is utilization of park space—i.e., if use is restricted, where would it be allowed.

Chang said he could not predict when they might come out with new rules to address inflatables as well as other new “;apparatuses.”;

Before any final decision is made, a public hearing would be held.

Part of the problem is that “;the industry is changing so fast. ... What we're trying to attach ourselves to are some national standards,”; Chang said, “;so we can say, 'This is what's OK and this is not'”; based on national standards.

Q: A while back I saw a white truck with two tanks on it and a man standing by the Anolani Stream bridge on Keneke Street with a red hose connected to the truck hanging over the side. I was in a hurry, so didn't get the license number. When I thought about it, I suspected he was draining sewage because a lot of us have cesspools on this side (Kaneohe, Kahaluu) and there are trucks that pump it out and remove it. What do I do as a concerned citizen in this instance?

A: The city Environmental Services Division says to call 911 if you witness someone in the process of illegally dumping, providing a license number, description of the vehicle and location/address.

Members of the public also can submit a report of an existing dump site by calling 768-3300 or filing a report online at www.opala.org/solid_waste/dumping_report.htm.