Homeowners need permit to alter plants on city streets

Question: In my Mililani neighborhood, many of the homeowners have removed the trees planted by the city in front of their houses and replaced them with trees of their own, such as palm trees. I thought you weren’t allowed to do that. The city trees make a ton of mess so I understand why they would want to replace them with easier-to-maintain palms. If it’s OK, I would like to replace the one on my strip.

Answer: Streets in developments such as Mililani Mauka are dedicated to the city once they meet city standards.

On city streets, homeowners are not allowed to alter planting strips by removing or replacing grass, shrubs or trees without a permit, said Art Challacombe, deputy director of the Department of Planning and Permitting.

He said that the palm trees fronting two properties you pointed out on Aoakua Street, which had been turned over to the city, were planted without a required surface encroachment variance from his department.

Both homeowners were issued a “Notice of Violation” and told to obtain a surface encroachment variance or remove the trees within 30 days of receiving the notices.

If the violations are not corrected, the city will remove the trees and charge the homeowners for the work, Challacombe said.

However, there are no civil fines given for this type of violation, he said.

“The intent of the laws regulating planting strips is primarily for pedestrian safety,” he explained. “Alterations to the sidewalk area without a proper permit can lead to unsafe conditions for people who use the sidewalks.”

If you are concerned about other trees in the neighborhood, contact the department through the city’s complaint office: online at www1.honolulu.gov/ csd/publiccom/fixit.htm or by emailing complaints@ honolulu.gov or calling 768-4381.

Provide specific addresses.

In 2011, then-department Director David Tanoue explained that many streets in Mililani Mauka remained private because they didn’t meet city standards, primarily because residents made unauthorized plantings or changes in the sidewalk area. See is.gd/emKOJH.

Question: The road/path between the state Capitol and the Hawaii State Library near Punchbowl Street has been blocked frequently. What kind of projects are they doing there and how long does it take? We have to walk around the block to get to downtown.

Answer: You shouldn’t be inconvenienced very much longer, if at all, at this point.

The state Department of Accounting and General Services expects its $4.988 million project to reroof and resurface the state Capitol to be completed Dec. 6.

Work by contractor Kaikor Construction Co., which began in March, also called for waterproofing, plumbing, repairing concrete cracks and relocating planters, said R.J. Yahiku, department spokesman.

A crane had been used to lift materials, which had to be stored temporarily on the grounds near the building.

CORRECTION

Paul H. Mark, spokesman for the Hawaii State Public Library System, said he wanted to correct his statement in Wednesday’s Kokua Line that library staff would ask if a tutoring session is a paid or volunteer service. “While our staff does not question patrons regarding their use of the library, if it comes to their attention that someone is conducting commercial activities, they are asked to conduct such activities elsewhere,” he said.

AUWE

To those who disregard parking laws, illegally parking around the corners of intersections and blocking driveways. You’re supposed to park 4 feet from driveways. By parking too close, it’s very difficult for us to come out safely. When we call HPD and you’re cited, it’s your fault for having such a bad attitude. — Frustrated Neighbor

MAHALO

To the person who turned in my husband’s ID card after he dropped it at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange in October. We were frantically looking throughout the store for it. Thank you for being such a caring person. May someone pay it forward for you one day. — G.T.

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