Question: It is interesting to note that a large amount of our tax money was just trashed along with the bromeliads on the H-1 Airport Viaduct because they might carry the Aedes aegypti mosquito in their collected water. I see bromeliads all over homes, gardens and landscapes, including my own. If they are of such serious concern to the state Department of Health, why isn’t it putting out a general public order to “wipe out” the rest of the island’s bromeliads and ban their planting forever?
Answer: The bromeliads planted near Honolulu Airport were targeted specifically because they are near where the dengue-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito had been found at the airport (See is.gd/1JAdSl).
The airport and other ports of entry are areas of special concern, said spokeswoman Janice Okubo.
The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found at Honolulu Airport between March 2012 and July were caught in traps, not in bromeliads.
But the Department of Transportation’s $58,000 worth of bromeliads on the viaduct drew the attention of the Health Department because of their proximity to where the mosquitoes were found and to nearby Navy neighborhoods.
Although bromeliads in general have the potential to breed mosquitoes, health officials were concerned about “the minimal maintenance of the airport plants,” Okubo said. By comparison, plants in home gardens generally are watered regularly, she explained.
“The department recommends homeowners treat bromeliads or other plants that hold water by flushing with a hose weekly, spraying with soapy water, or using a chemical treatment from a garden store,” she said.
Okubo says the Health Department “has widely publicized its recommendations to homeowners,” intensifying public education efforts whenever there is evidence a mosquito-borne illness may be spreading locally.
The department produced a “Don’t Let Mosquitoes Bug You” poster several years ago that is still distributed and often displayed in garden shops, she said.
Among the other tips for controlling mosquitoes: eliminate standing water in buckets and cans and fill puddles with dirt or sand; fix leaky faucets; remove leaves and debris from gutters; repair screens and jalousie windows to keep mosquitoes out; and dispose of old tires.
For more information on dengue fever and mosquitoes, see is.gd/XDHa9c.
HAZY HEADLIGHTS
Regarding the problem with cloudy headlights addressed in the July 30 Kokua Line (is.gd/xUbZzf), a Kokua Line reader wants to pass on this tip:
In almost all present and many older vehicles on the road today, the headlight covers are made of plastic. Using mild abrasives as mentioned could possibly scratch these covers, damaging them for future safety checks. Products to remove this haziness are sold at many car parts outlets. The one I have used consistently is made by 3M and called “Plastic Cleaner.” It removes fine scratches, stains or haziness and is ideal for faded plastic headlight covers and convertible back lights.
This is not an advertisement for the product, but an example of what’s available to correct the problem. — Tate Robinson
MAHALO
To two kind citizens. On June 27, I was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of Noelani and Hoolaulea streets. I noticed that the other party was disoriented and possibly going into shock. I hailed a passing driver and asked him to call 911. David Eickhoff, a native plant specialist with Leeward Community College, immediately directed traffic since both vehicles were blocking a very busy road. Then along came Thomas Grofcsik of Sik Photography, who assisted in clearing up the tie-up. I was overwhelmed by their willingness to assist people in distress. This old soldier salutes you. — John Chung
———
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.