Question: What is keeping the grass from growing on the median/embankments along the H-1 and H-2 freeways? I've noticed many bare spots where there is only dirt, and it seems to be spreading. One specific area is along H-1 westbound between the Aiea offramp and the H-2 cutoff. They expanded the freeway and did a great job grassing/landscaping the slopes, only to find that something is causing the slopes to become bare dirt in some places. Another area is on the H-2 near the Waipio-Uka offramp going north. Is it something in our rain or is there some kind of insect eating away at the grass?

  Answer: Get used to seeing the bare spots.

The state Department of Transportation says there is no grass along the embankments on some portions of the freeways because there is no permanent water source - i.e., sprinkler systems - in those areas.

And there's no green in sight because the department isn't able to get funding to continue replanting the grass, said transportation spokeswoman Tammy Mori.

The bottom line: Grass won't be planted in those areas “;in the near future, to ensure we are utilizing funding as efficiently as possible,”; she said.

Regarding the new landscaping near the Waimalu viaduct, where there are water sprinklers, the reason for the bare spots there isn't immediately obvious. Inspectors were to check out the problem and Mori said she would let us know about their findings.

Meanwhile, she thanked you for bringing the matter to the department's attention.

Q: There's a very large house that is being built in Lanikai that has been under construction for over four years. Is there an allotted time residential construction is allowed to go on? How long are surrounding neighbors required to endure the constant piercing noise, as well as the booming music and chatter from the workers themselves?

A: Once the city issues a building permit, “;construction, alteration or maintenance work”; on a single-family home that is not part of a larger development is allowed to go on for five years, “;subject to satisfactory work progress.”;

That is as provided under Section 18-5.3 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, said Art Challacombe, manager of customer services for the city Department of Planning and Permitting.

If the work takes longer than five years to complete, the homeowner may apply for a new permit or alteration of the existing permit, he said.

Regarding “;booming music”; or “;piercing noise,”; Challacombe said you should call police (at 911) or the state Department of Health (586-4700, Indoor and Radiological Health Branch, which oversees community noise regulations).

Homeowners or contractors are required to file a notice to construct with the Health Department and basically obtain a community noise permit.

Under Health Department regulations, construction is allowed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays. Construction work is not supposed to be done on Sundays or state holidays unless it's “;quiet”; work, such as painting.