Question: Why were the libraries closed for three days over the Presidents Day weekend? The holiday was on Monday, but they were closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Answer: Library employees are given a three-day holiday, based on their labor union contract, whenever a holiday falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

All state libraries were closed on Feb. 14, 15 and 16 because of the Feb. 16 Presidents Day holiday, confirmed spokesman Paul Mark.

As we explained previously (Kokua Line, June 29, 2004), an agreement was reached between the state and unions, effective May 1, 2004, regarding the three-day holiday closures.

The agreement affects seven out of a total of 13 state holidays (if and when they fall on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday): New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Christmas Day.

For the other six state holidays not affected by the new agreement, some libraries still will open on Saturdays, depending on when the holiday is observed and what their regular schedule is.

Q: Re your column yesterday about light outages on the H-1 and H-2 freeways and the Pali Highway: I was driving along the H-1 freeway near the Punahou off- ramp and noticed several street lights were out. What's wrong?

A: State Department of Transportation crews believe the outages are the result of a power shortage. Because the wiring for those lights is beneath the Keeaumoku Street underpass, repair work will require a closing one lane of the H-1.

The repair work will probably be done late Friday night or early Saturday morning to minimize the impact to traffic, spokeswoman Tammy Mori said.

Q: As far back as I remember there has been an old Kaimuki (I believe) class ring dated 1947 in our utility drawer. I asked my mom years ago if she knew whose ring it was and she replied that it might have been my father's old girlfriend's ring. My father claims he doesn't know who it belongs to and thought it belonged to my mom. Can you help me find the owner of this ring so that I may return it? The initials “;WKO”; are inscribed in the band of the ring.

A: Readers, anyone know of someone with those initials who graduated from Kaimuki High School in 1947? If so, please call Kokua Line at 529-4773 and leave a message.