QUESTION: What is the rule on using the stall for disabled persons in public restrooms? I was under the impression that these stalls are “accessible,” not “reserved.” I use this stall if I have grandkids with me or no other stalls are available. I recently came out of one of these stalls and was berated by a woman in a wheelchair telling me that I should not have used that stall. If she had been there when I entered, I would have given her the go-ahead.
ANSWER: Restroom stalls meant to accommodate people with disabilities are not reserved solely for them.
As Francine Wai, executive director of the state Disability and Communication Access Board, explained to us previously, the international symbol of accessibility by itself does not mean something can’t be used by nondisabled people.
So you’ll see the symbol on restroom stalls, doorways or ramps, which are not meant to be used exclusively by disabled people, she said.
The exception is parking stalls with both the accessibility symbol and signs noting restrictions.
Often there is no symbol designating the larger-than-usual stalls.
Wai said what she explained previously still stands: “As a courtesy, not by law, people should not use the handicap stall if other stalls are available. But nobody expects somebody to leave it vacant if it’s the only stall left.”
BANYANS GONE
Recent removal of two large Chinese banyan trees near Windward highways, which Bob Loy said left “gaping holes in the lush landscape,” had many commuters wondering what happened and why.
Loy, the Outdoor Circle’s director of environmental programs, says the state Department of Transportation removed the trees after consulting with arborist Steve Nimz, who determined both were a threat to motorists.
One tree, adjacent to the Kailua-bound lanes of Kalanianaole Highway, about a quarter-mile mauka of Kapaa Quarry Road, was 40-plus years old. It was removed in early April after Nimz determined it was diseased and unstable.
The other tree, at least 25 years old, was adjacent to the Honolulu-bound lanes of Pali Highway, about a quarter-mile mauka of Castle Junction. It “suffered a catastrophic failure during recent storms” and was removed April 17-24, Loy said.
“We encourage anyone with tree-related questions to call us at 593-0300,” he said. “If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find someone who does.”
DRUG TAKE-BACK
If you have expired or unused prescription drugs, you can dispose of them safely — no questions asked — during Saturday’s Fourth National Take Back Initiative.
On Oahu, drop off unwanted tablets, capsules and other solid dosage medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the state Capitol, Beretania Street side; Kapolei police station parking lot; Marine Corps Exchange (must have base access); Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange main lobby; Schofield Barracks Post Exchange (must have base access); Town Center of Mililani, middle area; and Windward Mall center court.
The state Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state Narcotics Enforcement Division are coordinating the event.
For more information, go to www.dea.gov or call 541-1930.
MAHALO
To all the neighbors who rushed to the traffic accident on Waialae Avenue on Sunday morning and helped us out of our car, which had flipped over on its side, and helped turn it back right side up. Thanks to the staff of Boston Pizza who rushed out with a fire extinguisher and made sure everyone was OK. Extra thanks to our nephew and his wife, who were able to bring us home. — Brian
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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.
