Question: Do they retrieve disability parking placards that have expired or if the person no longer needs one (because they get better or they die)?
Answer: Yes. The retrieval process varies depending on whether the person is renewing an expiring placard or whether he or she has died, said Francine Wai, executive director of the Disability Communication Action Board, the division of the state Department of Health that administers the distribution of parking permits for people with disabilities.
The long-term placard lasts six years, and the short-term one expires after six months; either can be renewed if a doctor licensed to practice in Hawaii verifies that the mobility impairment persists.
Wai explains:
“With respect to deceased persons, we periodically, depending upon staffing and budget, will obtain a cross-match between our placard holders and death records then send a letter to the estate of the deceased person noting that (1) the placard is invalid, (2) there is a penalty for using the invalid placard, and (3) asking for the placard to be returned in a self-addressed business reply envelope at no cost to the sender. In fiscal year 2015-16, we sent out 3,581 letters and received 1,646 returned placards from this effort, a return rate of 46 percent. In fiscal year 2014-15, we sent out 2,247 letters and received 867 returned placards, a return rate of 39 percent. Due to staffing, this is not a consistent activity, as our priority is with issuance and renewal of placards.”
As for renewals, “we ask for the permittee to send in their expired placard when we send them their renewed placard. We also receive placards from mutilation, confiscation by law enforcement, or lost and found. In fiscal year 2015-16, we retrieved a total of 4,522 placards (including those from the death retrieval program). In fiscal year 2014-15 we retrieved a total of 8,439 placards (including those from the death letter retrieval program).
“We do not know about individuals who ‘get better’ as they would have no reason to voluntarily contact us.”
However, their placards would eventually expire, and if they continued to use them, they would be subject to penalty for using an invalid placard.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of dogs you can keep at a regular suburban house on Oahu? This isn’t a kennel I am talking about.
A: Yes. The Revised Ordinances of Honolulu stipulate in Sec. 7-2.5(c) that no Oahu household may have more than 10 dogs, not counting puppies younger than 4 months.
Q: Please remind us of the date of that prescription drug take-back. I know that my closest location is Windward Mall, but I can’t recall the date.
A: It’s this Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at about a dozen locations throughout the state, including Windward Mall.
See the earlier column for a full list: 808ne.ws/ 2e33aUR.
Mahalo
It was Tuesday senior discount day at Ross, and I needed so many things. My cart was full when I went to the cashier. She filled large bags full, and I was not able to even lift them. A very kind gentleman saw my struggles, and he also was struggling with a suitcase. He came right over to me and said that he would help me to my car. I was so grateful for him, but then I couldn’t find my car (a senior moment) and he stayed with me until we found the car. My heart was so full of gratitude for his kindness. I never got his name but I will never forget him. Mahalo for helping a senior lady. — M.M.
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
