Kokua Line answers the Hawaii community’s most asked questions. Got a question? Find out how you can submit it to be featured.
Question: Does the Honolulu Board of Water Supply do estimated meter readings? If so, do they ever adjust them? My bill (single-family home) has been the same most months, even though the number of people in my house might change or the weather changes. Read more
Question: My Hawaii driver’s license has the gold star and is up for renewal. I got a reminder postcard with a list of documents to bring. Read more
Question: Is the U.S. Postal Service discontinuing the use of flat-rate boxes? I can’t find them anywhere. I’ve looked at the Ala Moana Post Office for the past three weeks, and they haven’t had any. Read more
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Question: A close friend has been diagnosed with a rapidly progressing terminal illness. She has no family left here and I am trying to help her son make initial arrangements from a distance. One delicate question is about the budget for a funeral; none of us has any idea how much this should cost. Read more
Question: Is the Bishop Museum ever going to reopen the Maritime Center at Pier 7 at Honolulu Harbor? Is it contingent upon something with the Falls of Clyde ship? It was such a wonderful place to visit and take visitors to learn about our seafaring culture. Read more
Question: How are homeless people supposed to get a state ID without a home address? They need a government-issued ID to get other services. Are they exempt from the requirement to present two documents proving Hawaii residency, such as electrical, water or other utility bills? Read more
Question: Is there a website that lists violent criminals who have their sentences reduced or are paroled? Are victims notified of this? Read more
Question: It’s been well over a year, or two, since the public was allowed to go fishing at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe. A footbridge leading to the fishing area along the dam collapsed and needed to be replaced. The new bridge is completed and sitting in the parking lot ready to be hoisted into place. Any idea when the new footbridge will be ready and public fishing can resume? Read more
Question: People should know that if they are traveling with dogs out of the country, there may be additional CDC requirements on their return to the U.S. Read more
Question: The last serious hurricane to directly hit Hawaii was Iniki. What is the current balance in the hurricane fund? Read more
Question: Can a mainland friend skip quarantine for her dog if she just plans to stay the weekend with us on her way to Asia and her dog will be with her the whole time, not around other animals? Read more
Question: In the past, we were told to conserve water when a blackout occurs, since we may run out of water, if not. Is that still the case? Read more
Question: How long will the safety checks be down? I need to renew my registration. Read more
Question: Are pet dogs allowed off the leash at Oahu beach parks? There’s a woman who keeps allowing her dog to run around without a leash and it runs up and interferes with other dogs (who are on leashes). Read more
Question: Regarding the DMV vision test, what information must be included on the alternative “vision certificate” (808ne.ws/ 123kline), since a prescription won’t suffice? Also, what is required to pass the test? Read more
Question: Is there a telephone number or (preferably) an email address to notify the city parks department of nonemergency problems? Read more
Question: I used to be able to pull up restaurant inspection reports on the state Department of Health website. They’re not there anymore. Why? Where can we access the reports? Read more
Question: I was relieved to hear that Tax-Aide requires the person to bring in paper forms and tax documents because that’s what I have. Please print the locations in the paper as soon as possible. Read more
Question: Mahalo to whoever thought of offering vaccines at the kupuna dance. Great idea! Hope plenty take advantage! Read more
Question: Regarding the free tax prep that Kokua Line mentioned Sunday (808ne.ws/3u7wtwk), can they do that over the phone? Read more
Question: Does AARP still offer free tax filing for nonmembers? Read more
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