Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Junked cars should be gone within a week

Question: Once again, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has allowed abandoned automobiles to accumulate along Keola Drive, between Lanakila Avenue and Hala Drive. In February, they taped warning letters on the windshields, but the cars still sit, many of them wrecks with wheels, hoods, bumpers and other parts stolen, windows busted and trash accumulating inside. Why is the state so negligent?

Answer: The latest batch of derelicts should be gone within a week or so.

Unfortunately, this is not the only area where the state has to deal with abandoned vehicles. That, plus the increased paperwork involved, means it's taking longer to get rid of the derelicts, some abandoned by area residents, according to DLNR.

As we reported last year (Kokua Line, April 12, 2006), DLNR conveyed the property to the city for a planned expansion of Kuakini Street. After the city abandoned that plan, DLNR resumed ownership.

The abandoned vehicles cited last year were towed away, said DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

After that, DLNR towed away two other cars, but five more were dumped on the site, she said.

"DLNR's Land Division must follow a notification process before towing abandoned vehicles," she explained. "The notice posted on the cars gives an owner a week to remove (the vehicle) or be towed. As can be expected, many of the vehicles have expired registrations and no owners can be found to cite."

Because new procurement requirements entail more paperwork, the towing is done when there are several vehicles that can be towed at one time, Ward said.

"The Land Division has obtained bids for the latest towing job and is about to issue a purchase order with removal scheduled in approximately two weeks' time," she said last week.

DLNR has tried to close off the lot to prevent dumping, but neighbors have objected because they park their cars there, she said.

Auwe and Mahalo

Auwe to a couple dining at Roy's Ko Olina on June 3. We were there celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary with our 8-year-old-daughter. I asked her to come close so I could adjust her headband. In the process, her napkin fell off her lap and she proceeded to pick it up. This innocuous gesture greatly irritated the couple at the next table and they gave us the meanest looks ("stink eye"). We truly appreciate wanting to dine without the distraction of unruly children. However, our daughter is extremely well-behaved. In contrast, we could easily hear the couple's conversation with their friends. Yet, that is the atmosphere of Roy's -- busy and noisy -- in a good way! I would suggest that Mr. and Mrs. Scrooge dine at some dimly lit, whisper-quiet restaurant with no children. But watch out, someone may give you the stink eye for talking so loud. Mahalo to Roy's Ko Olina -- the staff is excellent and the food was unbelievable. -- Lyn T.