Question: Our address has always been, for example, 999A Main St. Lately, we've been getting mail addressed 999 Main St., Apt. A. I called several companies, and they told me that's how the computer generates the address. Even nonprofit organizations are saying this is what the postal service is requiring. We don't live in an apartment; we live in a regular house. The problem is when we have a substitute postman or if the postman is very busy, our mail is put in the box for the first house at 999 Main St. With concerns about mail fraud, shouldn't the postal carriers be a little bit more careful? Why did the postal service make a change?

Answer: What you are describing is “;preferred address formatting,”; which the U.S. Postal Service instituted years ago and which it recommends for business or mass mailings.

It's not mandatory, but it is the preferred way to write an address so that the postal service's automated system can better read the address, explained Lynne Moore, manager of customer service in Hawaii.

For example, there might be problems with the system reading the correct address when it is 123A Main St., because of an added dash or because the A may look like a 4, she said.

To make sure the address is accurately read by the automated system, those doing mass mailing or with large address databases are asked to use the preferred formatting: 123 Main St., Apt. A.

If your mail is being delivered to the wrong address, Moore said “;that's more of a delivery problem, not an addressing problem.”;

She recommended contacting your postal delivery station to say “;they have to be more careful to make sure they're delivering it to the proper address because there is a unit A. ... That's just awareness.”;

Moore said the standardized formatting is “;just one of the things that goes toward enhanced readability”; of addresses.

Q: What are the rules regarding handicapped parking at malls, parks, etc.? I can understand if the person who is given the placard is there in the vehicle, but I've seen people pull up, get out, shop, then hop into their vehicle and leave. The person doesn't have a limp or walk with a cane.

A: You can find the law and other information on the Web site for the state Disability and Communication Access Board: http://www.state.hi.us/health/dcab/parking.

Basically, the designated stalls are reserved for people who have been certified by a licensed practicing physician as having a disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk, and who have obtained a disabled-parking placard and special ID card.

The disability has to be one that limits the person's ability to walk, such as not being able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; or needing to use a brace, cane, crutch or another person to walk; or is restricted by lung disease; or uses portable oxygen; or has a severe cardiac condition.

However, some of the conditions, such as a cardiac or respiratory condition, are not easily visible, cautions Francine Wai, executive director of the access board.

The law also says the person with a disability should be driving or being transported in the vehicle being parked and is required to display the windshield placard and carry a current ID card.