Powering up at libraries tied to effects on services

Question: Now that public libraries provide free Wi-Fi, the Liliha library has decided to not allow the use of electrical outlets under the desks, so usage is limited to the length of battery power. The Kalihi library allows patrons to use the electrical outlets, so we are able to use Wi-Fi for any length of time. Why are there different rules at different libraries? Are the individual libraries able to restrict electrical access? A clerk told me this new policy started around Oct. 1.

Answer: Individual libraries may set their own policies.

The libraries try their best to accommodate patrons who ask to plug into the public electrical outlets for Wi-Fi use, but library managers “do have the authority to disallow it because electrical usage is not part of our library core services,” said Paul Mark, spokesman for the Hawaii State Public Library System.

He pointed to the library system’s administrative rule that says use of the outlets is prohibited unless authorized by a library manager.  

The rule specifically prohibits “use of an electrical outlet by a library customer for purposes of personal consumption of food or drink, or for personal hygiene.”

Otherwise, Mark said, a library manager will consider the effect on normal library services before allowing devices, such as laptops, to be plugged in.

He noted that certain libraries are better equipped to accommodate patrons, factoring in a facility’s age, electrical capabilities, public space layout and concerns regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Health, safety and liability are other important factors that managers consider should an accident occur, such as a patron tripping over an electrical cord,” Mark said. “Some managers have discontinued allowing patrons the privilege of plugging in their personal devices to outlets because of the adverse effects it has caused for other patrons.”

Library users are advised to call a library to ask if electrical outlets are available for use and plan accordingly.

Question: Back in June 2011 there was an accident on Pali Highway on the hairpin turn headed toward Kailua. An SUV took out a wall there. Since then the only thing I’ve seen are orange-and-white temporary barricades. It’s going on a year and a half, but nothing’s been done. Why can’t they get it repaired? It’s turned into a haven for graffiti. Besides we residents who have to look at it on a daily basis, all the tourists who stop at the parking lot nearby have to look at it.

Answer: A fix is in the works but not for a few more months, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The wall is scheduled to be fixed “most likely” in February or March, said department spokes­woman Caro­line Sluy­ter.

“Unfortunately our maintenance and repair crews are constantly busy with routine incidents,” she said. On top of those, she said major emergency repair jobs come up frequently.

“We thank the public for their patience as we work to maintain and improve the state’s more than 2,400 miles of roads,” she said.  

MAHALO

To Jeff Macalam, his crew and especially Ruthann Allsopp for their assistance on Hawaiian Air Flight 17 from Las Vegas to Hono­lulu on Oct. 6. I became ill on the flight home and needed medical assistance. They knew exactly what needed to be done and did it efficiently. I was taken by ambulance to Pali Momi Medical Center and assured that everything was OK. Now I know Hawaiian Airlines’ staff is capable of handling any emergency. I will never forget all that they did.

— Claire A. Nishioka

MAHALO

To the kind gentleman who guided me in the use of the new parking meter at the Hono­lulu Zoo. He is truly blessed with the aloha spirit.

— Grateful Kama­aina