Kokua Line
By June Watanabe
Tuesday, November 3, 1998
Kokua Line
I went to a beauty salon, where employees apparently are allowed to smoke in the restroom, which is not well ventilated. I called the state Department of Health and they referred me to the city, because it is a city ordinance that prohibits smoking in workplaces. But when I called the Office of Information and Complaint, I was told to complain to management. I didn't think that was a good idea, especially since I'm a customer. I was then told to call police, which is ridiculous, since police would have to catch the people smoking and they have better things to do. I asked why couldn't the city send a letter of warning, but was told by two people in the office that that could not be done. In the end, I went back to the Department of Health, where a nice woman said she would write a letter to the beauty salon outlining the city law. I am so mad at the response I got from OIC and don't understand why they couldn't send out a letter, since it is a city law that's involved. No-smoking complaint
brings OIC responseSorry it's taken so long to get a response, but the response should make you happy.
Based on your complaint, OIC has drafted a form letter to send to businesses informing them of the no-smoking ordinance, said director Carol Costa.
The letter reads: "This office has been asked by a private citizen to inform you that your establishment may be in violation of Section 41, Article 21 of the Honolulu Revised Statutes (HRS) as it pertains to prohibition of smoking in certain places.
"Specifically, (complaint) .
"I have included a copy of the ordinance so that you might become familiar with its provisions and take appropriate steps to correct any previously unknown violations for which you may be penalized if left uncorrected."
The letter is signed by Costa.
Who is responsible for watering the mock orange hedges on Pali Highway, across from the Nuuanu YMCA? It looks like most of the hedges are dying.
The sprinkler system there is broken and no one knew about it until you complained.
"We thank your reader's observant eye for bringing this to our attention," said Marilyn Kali, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, which is responsible for maintaining the plants.
Repairs are to be made within a week or so. "In the meantime, we will send a water truck to water them so they won't die anymore than they already have," Kali said.
To the gentleman paramedic who stopped Wednesday evening, Sept. 23, on Keolu Drive to help my girlfriend who was not feeling well. He called an ambulance and she is now doing very well. Also, thanks to all the others who stopped to offer help. -- Zoe A. Mahalo
To Linda and Eric who found and returned my purse that I dropped in a downtown parking garage. They live in Wahiawa, but insisted on driving out to Hawaii Kai in the late hours to return it, not for a reward but to insure its safety. Linda says she is extending the same mahalo given her when she was in a similar situation. I will do the same, 10-fold. -- Atsuko Mahalo
To the road work crew on Kamehameha Highway at midnight Sept. 29, who pushed my car to the side when it broke down. I work the graveyard shift and they gave me a ride to work. As a single woman stranded, they gave me a wonderful gift. -- Susan Everett Mahalo
We're looking for members and teachers of Aliiolani Elementary School's Class of '49 to help celebrate our 50th class reunion next year. Call Gerald Kwock, 732-7584 Aliiolani Class of '49
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
