QUESTION: Who is responsible for the upkeep of the scoreboard in the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center? I have been a Wahine volleyball season-ticket holder for the past five years and sit on the side of the players. For the past two seasons, at least, the scoreboard video display has two tiles that are blacked out — it’s like missing puzzle pieces. Frankly, I’m amazed anyone continues to advertise on that board, the side that probably has the most viewers. It’s also embarrassing for the state. Visiting teams and their supporters also see the broken board. Is anyone planning on fixing this?

ANSWER: The arena staff has been working to replace the scoreboard screens for the past five years, said Richard Sheriff, manager of the Stan Sheriff Center.

"We are aware that the broken screens are a big problem, (but) we are unable to do anything to improve the current video system," he said. "We are doing everything in our power to finish the installation of the new video system in time for the start of Wahine volleyball next fall."

Sheriff said a new scoreboard might be in place as early as next summer, depending on the success of wading through the state bureaucracy.

The problem is that Sony has not made replacement parts for the 17-year-old scoreboard for at least five years.

However, "we are currently working on a ($2 million) project that will replace all of the screens by next August," Sheriff said.

One of the biggest hurdles is the lengthy state procurement process.

"If we can weed through all of the red tape, we will have a new state-of-the-art scoreboard that everyone will enjoy," Sheriff said. If not, then it won’t be installed until summer 2012.

QUESTION: I am still wondering why there were three motorcycle cops with radar guns in the right lane of Pali Highway, going toward Kailua after Waokanaka Street, around 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. It was a shock to suddenly see them in the lane, forcing cars to cut into the middle lane and causing a traffic jam. Why are they out blocking a whole lane? What if they went out onto the H-1 freeway in the middle of peak traffic and blocked a whole lane? Can you find an explanation?

ANSWER: There was more than obviously met the eye, according to the Honolulu Police Department.

"The three officers were there to assist a black Camaro that was stalled in the right lane, so it’s possible that the stalled car was mistaken for a police car," said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu.

It happened near a blind spot, and "cars were whizzing by," so the officers were trying to slow down traffic, she said. Yu also said only one of the officers had his laser gun out.

MAHALO

To two people associated with TheBus for their kokua and caring. On Sunday morning a conferee of the Waikiki International Hula Conference forgot her hula supplies on the No. 13 bus from Waikiki to the Convention Center. This Japanese visitor was very distraught. Thanks to Yvonne, who answers the phone line at TheBus, and bus driver Ron Abergas Jr., we were able to reconnect the bag of hula supplies with its grateful owner. She said she was able to feel the aloha spirit through the many kindnesses extended to her, making her stay here all the more memorable. No amount of money can pay for the promotion of our state and the special people who live here more than the actions of these two individuals. — Waikiki Improvement Association