Question: I wonder whether there is a story about the newly replaced Mililani library roof. The new roof is a standing seam copper roof. I heard it cost $2.3 million. I know reroofing can be expensive and am wondering how copper was picked.
Answer: First, the price you heard is incorrect. The total cost was about $1.26 million, and that includes replacing the old roof and covering a newly enclosed section of the building, said Mallory C. Fujitani, a spokeswoman for Hawaii’s public library system.
The aim of the renovation project was to repair the existing roof, gutters and flashing, and to transform the library’s former courtyard into an enclosed reading room, as patrons had long requested, she said.
Other roofing materials were considered, but based on the design of the building, condition of the existing roof and desire to enclose the courtyard, “it was determined that it was more practical to replace the entire copper roof,” she said.
If the library had switched roofing material, there would have been additional costs for design and construction to integrate the old roof and the newly enclosed reading room, she said.
Altogether, the project cost about $1.26 million: $760,000 to repair and replace the old roof and about $507,000 to enclose the courtyard, she said.
The renovated library will have a blessing ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7, which the public is invited to attend, she said. Mililani Public Library is at 95-450 Makaimoimo St.
Q: I thought they made it illegal to look at your cellphone while crossing the street. I still see people doing that all the time, and nothing happens.
A: That’s because the new ordinance hasn’t taken effect yet. The measure approved by the Honolulu City Council and signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell in July goes into force Oct. 25, 90 days after the mayor signed it, according to a news release issued at the time.
The law makes it illegal for a pedestrian to look at a cellphone or other electronic device, such as a video game or tablet, while crossing a street or highway on Oahu.
Under the law an initial violation carries a fine of $15 to $35, with the penalty rising for repeat offenders. The fine ranges from $35 to $75 for an individual’s second violation within a year of the first offense and from $75 to $99 for a third violation within a year of the first.
Emergency responders viewing a mobile electronic device while performing their official duties are exempt from the law. Emergency responders include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, mobile intensive care technicians, emergency management workers, police officers and federal and state law enforcement officers, according to the law.
It’s OK for Oahu pedestrians to look at their phones as they cross the street if they are calling 911 at the time; the law cites that as an affirmative defense.
Mahalo
Mahalo to a group of four gentlemen who I saw cleaning and repairing the small, old bus stop at the corner of Punahou Street and Wilder Avenue on Thursday. It’s such a cool little structure, you never see stuff like that anymore and it’s nice that those men took the initiative to take care of it so that it’ll last just a bit longer for others to enjoy. Thanks very much to them! — K.H.
Mahalo
A big mahalo to a very alert and caring person. He saw that my friend was unsteady walking in public and took him home. Mr. E, you took time from your lunch break to help a kupuna. I am grateful to know that thoughtfulness and kindness is boundless. — Helen W.
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.
