Results of hippo’s necropsy were inconclusive, zoo says

Question: Were the results from the necropsy of Honolulu Zoo’s hippo ever released?

Answer: No, because the results were inconclusive, according to Honolulu Zoo Director Jeff Wilkinson.

Rosey, one of the zoo’s two hippopotamuses, was found dead of unknown causes on July 18.

As part of the necropsy to try to determine why the 3,000-pound, 26-year-old hippo died, blood and tissue samples were sent to a mainland lab for analysis.

However, the necropsy did not provide a cause of death, Wilkinson said.

The zoo’s remaining hippo, another female named Louise, is doing well, he said. Wilkinson said previously that the zoo would search for a suitable companion for Louise.

Question: Are tow trucks like other emergency vehicles? Do we have to pull over to let them pass? There was an accident on the H-1 freeway recently when a tow truck drove between lanes and almost sideswiped me. Cars were already backed up but he squeezed his way through.

Answer: Tow trucks are not considered authorized emergency vehicles and should not be driving between lanes or even in the shoulder lane.

As we explained previously — bit.ly/1ueA7O3 — only authorized emergency vehicles are allowed to bypass usual traffic restrictions, such as going through a red light or stop sign (after slowing down as necessary), exceeding speed limits; or turning or moving in the wrong direction.

Authorized vehicles include fire and police vehicles, ambulances, ocean safety vehicles, state law enforcement vehicles and conservation and resources enforcement vehicles.

Ala Wai dog Park

Dog owners are rejoicing: The Ala Wai Dog Park is opening Sunday.

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the park, located between ‘Iolani and Ala Wai Elementary schools.

In July, we explained how the Ala Wai K9 Playground Association was formed solely to create an off-leash dog park for area residents.

Sunday’s celebration will mark nine years of hard work coming to fruition, said Judy Wright, the association’s treasurer.

"We are almost in disbelief that this finally opening," she said.

The park is a partnership between the city and the association, with members helping to maintain the city-owned site, which will be open during daylight hours. Trained "rangers" will be on hand to monitor the park.

Mahalo

Belatedly, to a fleet of automotive angels who came to my aid after my car had problems, first with the battery, then with the starter. The saga started in May, when a "prince" had to jump-start my car in the rain near Party City. The battery worked fine until June 14. First, Eric at Kahala Beach Condos grabbed his portable charger and gave my car a needed jump-start. Then near Makapuu, Chris took time away from his pa’ina (meal) to again jump-start my stalled car. Susan then brought me water and rescued my passenger while I was stuck by the side of the road, and Woody went to Costco, bought a new battery, then battled with corroded connectors and an uncooperative mount to install it. Another Chris helped push my dead car with the new battery into a parking stall at Costco and rigged a way for the battery to stay connected so I could drive home. Once home, my husband worked on it, but the real culprit, unbeknownst to us, was the starter. On July 26, a family from Kailua attending "Hairspray" at Mamiya Theatre tried to help when my car stalled again. On July 28 after Zumba class, Kai, Sylvia, Jan, Rafa and Ida (with AAA card in hand) waited patiently with me for the tow truck, then pushed my car twice. Gary, the tow truck driver, diagnosed the starter problem and got me on my way. The next day, finally, ace mechanic Miguel, with support from his friend Mike, quickly replaced my starter outside of Larry’s Auto when my car refused to start again. You all have my undying gratitude.

— Jan, Kaimuki

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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.