QUESTION: When they have a fire rescue operation, with a rescue team and helicopters, who pays for the cost of these rescues? There are quite a few rescues that happen on Koko Head Crater when the weather is bad.

ANSWER: The costs are absorbed by the Honolulu Fire Department and/or other emergency responders.

“;The Honolulu Fire Department does not charge for its rescue services,”; said spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig. He said the department, “;like the vast majority of public safety agencies worldwide, believes that charging for rescue services discourages people from calling for help.

“;Any delay in a call for help decreases the chance of a successful rescue and increases risks for emergency responders.”;

However, Seelig points out a government agency is allowed to seek payment for the costs of services if “;gross negligence or criminal activity”; have been found to be associated with the rescue.

That's spelled out under Chapter 137 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which says that search and rescue expenses include wages, salaries and employment-related benefits; equipment costs; fuel costs; and any and all other expenses involved in the operation.

Any government agency may seek reimbursement “;only if the need for search or rescue was caused by any act or omission by the person searched for or rescued, constituting intentional disregard for the person's safety, including, but not limited to, intentionally disregarding a warning or notice.”;

There have been legislative proposals to give more teeth to the law — basically, make it more enforceable — by specifying what situations would be subject to reimbursements, but none has passed.

Seelig notes that hiking is a popular activity on Oahu for both residents and visitors.

“;Unfortunately, there are times when they become the victims of simple mistakes or unfortunate accidents,”; Seelig said.

The Honolulu Fire Department “;firmly believes that public education reduces the need for mountain or ocean rescues.”;

Asked about public education efforts, he pointed to “;the well-organized program”; regarding hiking offered by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

You can find information about outdoor safety from DLNR's State Parks Division at http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/health and download a brochure about hiking safety at hsblinks.com/22q.

“;We also do campaigns from time to time through media interviews or by delivering safety tips when reporting on HFD's actions at a mountain or ocean rescue,”; Seelig said, noting the information he was providing “;Kokua Line.”;

QUESTION: Is there anyway to report drivers who litter, especially the ones who throw out their cigarette butts?

ANSWER: Not anymore.

Years ago there was a Governor's Committee on Ending Litter that had a hot line to call to report litterbugs in cars. A letter then was sent to the registered car owner.

But funding for the program dried up in the late 1990s, and nothing has replaced it, either on the state or county level.

The Honolulu Police Department says it does not send out such warning letters and cannot cite anyone unless an officer personally witnesses a violation.

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Write to “;Kokua Line”; at Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).