Question: I frequent the Hawaii Kai Dog Park and see, quite often, items being taken from the Goodwill booth at the Park ’n’ Ride after the booth is closed. Some people drop off their items after closure and leave them on the side of the booth. Then other people come and take things, and sometimes what they don’t want they throw into the bushes. While there are some who may be homeless taking the donations, we at the dog park have observed someone in a white panel truck coming in the mornings and taking whatever is there and someone in a SUV coming in the evenings and doing the same. We wonder if they take these items to be resold at swap meets or garage sales. The intention of the people who drop off is to donate to Goodwill. Isn’t there something Goodwill can do to rectify the situation — maybe a bigger booth so things are not left outside? Also, in rainy weather things get wet. Or would it help to alert donors that they should drop off their donations during the day while the booth is staffed?
Answer: Goodwill Industries of Hawaii said it appreciates you bringing this issue to its attention.
“We are looking into various solutions, such as better signage to direct the donor to the drop chute, adjusting the time the Attended Donation Center location is serviced by our transportation department and the possibility of expanding the size of the Attended Donation Center itself,” said spokeswoman Amanda Stevens.
She said donations received at all drop-off locations benefit the community through programs that serve at-risk youth, adults with disabilities, Pacific island immigrants, people making the transition from prison and those getting off public assistance.
In 2010-2011, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, which began in 1959, served more than 15,500 people statewide and helped more than 1,500 people find jobs, she said.
“Goodwill is also considered the original recycler and helps to keep 13 million pounds out of Hawaii’s landfills,” Stevens said.
For more information, go to www.higoodwill.org.
Question: Can you please inquire about the machines that test vision at Kapalama City Square on Dillingham Boulevard? The lenses through which you are supposed (to) look are cloudy and dirty. The machines themselves are filthy as a result of people leaning their foreheads against them. This is a health and safety issue. The least they can do is offer folks a lens cleaner and antiseptic wipe.
Answer: Wipes are available upon request, said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.
“If the customer feels uncomfortable using the machine without wiping the forehead attachment to activate the machine, they may request wipes from the staff,” he said.
After being checked to see whether they are operating properly, all eye test machines are wiped using alcohol wipes at the beginning of each day, he said.
“Some machines are older and may appear brownish, but that is the weathered color of the machine,” Kamimura said. “If the image appears ‘blurry,’ the customer should ask the staff to check the machine to see if a malfunction may have occurred.”
Auwe
To the driver of a plumbing van who tailgated me at 6:30 a.m. Friday, July 6, beginning before the H-2 merge heading east. It was a pleasant morning until then. I was shocked and horrified that you followed so close that I couldn’t see your license plate while going 50 mph. I changed lanes, but you followed and continued to tailgate me. What took me by surprise was your blatant move to overtake me and cut me off, forcing me to the concrete median and slamming on my brakes. — Drive with Aloha
We note that you got the name of the company and planned to contact officials.
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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.
