QUESTION: If you’re heading Koko Head on Nimitz Highway, just after the Fort Street Mall intersection (near University of Phoenix), there’s a brand-new sign that says to use the left lane to go "Downtown via Bishop St." Shouldn’t that say Alakea Street, since Bishop Street is one-way makai toward Nimitz?
ANSWER: You’re right, and we pointed out the error to the state Department of Transportation.
We’re told the agency "is in the process of changing the sign" and hopes to have a new sign up early next month.
FREE TAX HELP
The AARP Foundation, the charity affiliate of AARP, once again is offering free tax-filing assistance to certain taxpayers.
More than 250 trained and Internal Revenue Service-certified volunteers, through AARP Tax-Aide, will help in preparing federal and state tax forms beginning Friday through April 15 at 43 sites statewide, including 20 on Oahu.
The free service is being offered to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, notably those age 60 and older. In some cases, volunteers may be able to help homebound seniors, including those in nursing homes, while foreign-language speakers may be available at some locations.
Last year Tax-Aide counselors helped file nearly 18,000 state and federal returns for Hawaii residents, generating more than $6.6 million in tax refunds, according to the AARP.
The program is run in partnership with the IRS and helps about 2.6 million taxpayers annually.
To find out about locations, call toll-free 888-227-7669 or go to www.aarp.org/taxaide.
For Oahu sites, go to www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action;jsessionid=4F70B5701B4B3D08AF0F6BB9938C1841.
The Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development also is offering assistance by IRS-certified volunteers for low-income individuals, those with disabilities, non-English speakers, seniors, as well as those who qualify for the earned income tax credit and other credits. Some of those sites also involve the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Call 211, the Aloha United Way’s information and referral service, for locations or email info@hawaiitaxhelp.org for information.
VITA offers free help to taxpayers who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns. For information, including on locations, call 800-906-9887, 211 or go to www.irs.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep.
Electronic filing also is available at these locations.
MAHALO
To the four gentlemen who stopped to help us on Houghtailing Street at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, after our van died in the middle of the intersection. In the wind and rain, they pushed us to safety all the way to the Shell station at the intersection of King Street. — Mark
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
