Question: Why does the state insist on continuing roadwork when everyone is rushing around during the holidays?
Answer: A five-day respite from lane closures is coming, but closer to Christmas.
Shelly Kunishige, a spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Transportation, said that HDOT issues a “no lane closure” restriction for the following annual events:
>> The first week of fall classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
>> Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday through Sunday)
>> Holiday season, which is identified this year as Dec. 22 through Dec. 26.
“The lane closure restriction is meant to balance the need to complete roadwork and the impact of lane closures on the traveling public. Of course if there is an emergency requiring lane closures or a demonstrated need to conduct a lane closure during the restriction period, there may be exemptions,” she said.
Q: We found some DVDs thrown in some bushes and inside one was a Social Security card. Should I return it to the Social Security office?
A: Yes, mail the Social Security card with a note stating that you found the card to: Social Security Administration, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 1-114, Honolulu, HI 96850 or Social Security Administration, 970 Manawai St., Kapolei, HI 96707
Agency spokeswoman Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, who provided the information, also expressed gratitude to you for doing the right thing by returning the lost card.
Q: Is the new Kupuna Caregivers Program limited to U.S. citizens?
A: No. The person receiving the care may be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, as long as they and their working caregiver meet other eligibility requirements, which include the care recipient being at least 60 years old, not living in a long-term care facility and having impairments that require substantial supervision.
The state program is intended to help family caregivers who otherwise might have to quit their paying jobs to care for an aging parent or spouse. It authorizes up to $70 a day for adult day care and other services paid to an outside contractor, not the caregiver. However, funding is limited and won’t meet Hawaii’s demand.
You can find out more by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 643-2372 (TTY line: 643-0899) or checking online at hawaiiadrc.org.
Q: Where can I get a fireworks permit?
A: You may buy a fireworks permit at any satellite city hall for New Year’s, Chinese New Year and Independence Day (Fourth of July), according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
Other than for those designated holidays, you must apply for a permit from HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau, located at department headquarters at 636 South St. in Honolulu. Permit applications for use of firecrackers for other cultural purposes (beyond the three designated holidays) must be submitted at least 10 calendar days in advance.
“Permits will not be issued at any fire station,” the HFD website says.
Mahalo
A big mahalo to Tina and her family for so generously paying for lunch for my kupuna parents and me at Wahiawa Zippy’s on Nov. 30. You were gone by the time our server notified us. We hope your goodness comes back to you! — A Wahiawa family
Mahalo
On Dec. 9, we went to the Koko Marina theaters for a 5 p.m. movie. We want to give a big mahalo to the very fine young people working there! They were very helpful and courteous, especially since we had to use the lift to get to the theater level. The attendant at the snack counter was very patient and kind, helping us pack the popcorn for taking home. They all should be commended for their great service! — Four seniors
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.
