Question: Is there a health violation regarding a homeowner's disregard to fecal mess rotting on the property? My family and I have been kind and found ways to mask the horrific stench of feral cat and dog poop littered all over my neighbor's yard, but I'm tired of being nice. I cannot talk to my neighbor without her accusing me of harassing her, so I'd like to find another approach for the message to be clearly received.

Answer: Section 29-4.4 (a)(9) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu says no person shall “;permit an animal owned by such person or while in the person's custody to excrete any solid waste in any public place or on any private premises not the property of such owner.”;

There is no violation “;if the owner of the offending animal promptly and voluntarily removes the animal waste”; and, normally, if the pet does it on its own property.

However, if owners don't pick up after their animals on their own property and that becomes a health issue, you should call the state Department of Health's Vector Control Branch. Call 483-2535 and an inspector will be sent to investigate.

“;Several species of flies, especially the dog dung fly and a small flesh fly, breed on dog dung, cat feces and other animal wastes,”; said Pingjun Yang, an entomologist with the Health Department.

Not taking care of animal wastes to prevent the breeding of flies could lead to a vector problem, he said. “;People should call us.”;

Q: What is the status of the nationwide class-action lawsuit involving Airborne, the tablet that is supposed to prevent colds? I sent in my request for a refund, before the deadline, but haven't gotten anything or heard anything about it. Are people still getting a refund?

A: The case is still pending.

A “;Fairness Hearing”; on Wilson v. Airborne Inc., et al., took place before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on June 16, but the court has yet to make a decision on a settlement.

Consumers who purchased any Airborne product between May 1, 2001, and Nov. 29, 2007, and who submitted a claim by the Sept. 15 deadline could benefit from the settlement.

The proposed settlement requires the defendants to create a settlement fund of at least $23.25 million to reimburse class members who bought Airborne products and to pay attorney fees.

Any money left over will be donated to nonprofit organizations.

Refunds will not be sent until the court approves the settlement, all appeals are resolved and all claims are validated and processed.

The plaintiffs allege the defendants made untrue and misleading statements about the Airborne products by claiming, among other things, that they cure or prevent colds.

The defendants have denied any wrongdoing or unlawful conduct but have agreed to a settlement.

You can get more details online at www.AirborneHealthSettlement.com, by calling toll-free (888) 952-9080 or by writing to Airborne Class Action Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 1897, Faribault, MN 55021-7152.

You can also find out the status of your claim by calling the above number.