Is the American flag allowed to be flown at night? I was under the impression that it was to be raised at dawn and lowered at dusk. There is a vacant lot on Oneawa Street in Kailua that flies the American flag 24 hours a day. Can something be done to rectify this situation? Flag should be regarded
as if it were ‘living thing’We went to the American Legion for the answer and found it in its "Americanism Manual."
The Flag Code, set by Congress, says, "It is the universal custom to display the Flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired the Flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
The flag shouldn't be flown in inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is used.
Since you know who the caretaker of the property is, you can pass the information on to her.
It is important to display the flag properly, the Flag Code says, because "the Flag represents the living Country and is itself considered as a living thing."
The entire area surrounding the King Kalakaua statue, in the triangle where Kuhio runs into Kalakaua Avenue, appears in a state of total neglect. The fountain is again not functioning properly and the water in the basin is a green, dirty mess. Last March, the spokeswoman for the Parks Department promised the fountain would be repaired shortly and other areas taken care of. She also mentioned the expense factor involved and the fact that fountains are just "pretty," while utilities take priority. Considering that this park could be a lovely oasis for tourists and locals, the department's attitude is regrettable, for it certainly does not promote tourism for a city that so greatly depends on it. Can you help again? Three nearby hotels volunteered last year to maintain the King Kalakaua Triangle and fountain under the Parks Department's "Adopt a Park" program: Outrigger Maile Skycourt, Gateway Hotel and Aston Hotel.
"Our manager says they are usually quite conscientious in maintaining the park and was surprised at the recent state of appearance and profusely apologizes," said parks spokeswoman Patti Nagao.
"Our department agrees that keeping Waikiki beautiful is important to tourism and our island economy," she said, noting that much time is spent tending to public facilities. First priority, however, is given to health and safety matters, such as cleaning and repairing sinks, toilets, showers and roofs, and refilling toilet paper, she said.
After the fountain was repaired in March, leaves from nearby trees apparently clogged the drain again, Nagao said.
Following your complaint, a crew spent two days last week sprucing up the area, she said.
To a guy who got involved. On Aug. 21, a girl got robbed in front of a bank in Kailua and many people just stood around not doing anything. I would have done something, but I'm disabled. But this guy stopped the robber in his getaway car! It was great to see someone get involved. Mahalo
To the person who shot my friend's cat at 13th & Claudine recently. I hope you're happy, because after trying to save him, they had no choice but to put him to sleep. Is this how you get your kicks -- hurting innocent animals? To you I say "bachi." What did Buddy ever do to you? -- Delia Auwe
To Kanoa Dahlin of Hawaiian Gunz who went out of his way July 29 to help two wahines change a blown-out tire. Your lokomaika'i (kindness) and ha'aha'a (humbleness) is rare. Mahalo again for braving the speeding cars. Mahalo
