Question: The bulky-item guys came recently and again left all kinds of trash on Lehua Street in Pearl City. My neighbor had to clean it up because of nails and other rubbish. I called the city and made a complaint. The Mayor’s Office said to call a number, so I called and left a message but no one has returned my call. Why are they not cleaning up their mess?
Answer: The city is investigating the alleged incidents on Lehua Street and will compile the facts and take appropriate action, said Lori Kahikina, director of the city Department of Environmental Services.
That said, she pointed out that residents are responsible for properly securing and placing bulky items at the curb for collection.
"Bits and pieces of refuse and bags or boxes of trash are not included in the bulky collection," Kahikina said. "Bulky items include large, oversize refuse that does not fit into carts or smaller containers for regular, weekly refuse collection. Some residents misuse our bulky-collection service to remove excess trash, using it for large amounts of refuse rather than large items."
City bulky-item crews are responsible for cleaning up any debris they create while collecting bulky items, and they do their best to clear the streets, she said. "But if bags or boxes break open while sitting at the curb or the components of the bulky items were not secured, it may leave a residue of trash and litter behind."
Again, Kahikina said that in addition to ensuring that bulky items at the curb are properly placed and secured, property owners also are responsible for maintaining the curb area fronting their property, and that means cleaning up any residue.
But if you witness a city crew leaving debris that they created while removing bulky items, you are asked to call the Refuse Division at 768-3200 with a location, time and license plate number of the collection truck, if possible, she said.
"We appreciate reports of any possible wrongdoing and will continue to do our best to safely and cleanly collect Oahu’s opala and appreciate the kokua of residents to help with this demanding service."
Question: Regarding Friday’s Kokua Line column about the city’s ban on shampoos and soaps at outdoor showers at the city’s beach parks (bit.ly/1kRB6JI): Are biodegradable soaps and shampoos acceptable?
Answer: No, said a spokesman for the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
In terms of the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and other environmental laws, biodegradable soaps and shampoos are not acceptable for discharge into storm drains, he said.
The city posted signs banning the products at Ala Moana Regional Park and plans to impose the ban at outdoor showers at 70 park sites. The prohibition is aimed at reducing contamination of beaches and the ocean from "shower wash water."
Auwe
To several uncaring people. In April a lovely lady, well known in Hawaiian music and hula circles, slipped on the wet pavement at the downtown post office, fell and broke her hip. That was bad enough, but worse, three people walked by her, turning their heads so she would think they didnt see her! Hewa (wrong)! Then a car parking near her moved into another parking spot away from her! Hewa! What happened to aloha? But mahalo to a kind lady who did stop to kokua. My friend, after two hip surgeries, is recovering. — Lynda H.
Mahalo
Belatedly, to the thoughtful and akamai lady who found my credit card in the Manoa Marketplace parking lot a few months ago and turned it in to the post office there. Unfortunately, she did not leave her name so I could thank her. I will remember her valuable lesson of asking the post office staff for assistance should a similar situation arise. A belated mahalo also to Bob and Clay, at the post office, who contacted my credit card company, which then contacted me. May your thoughtful acts be returned many times. — B. Miyamoto
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