Question: The tap water in Maunawili has begun to have a strong chemical taste, which it never had before. Is this a temporary issue or the new normal?
Answer: It is the old normal, tweaked.
The Board of Water Supply said it tested a water sample from your home in December and reported the results to you: Your tap water is safe to drink, and what you tasted was chlorine.
Like you, some residents may have started noticing the chlorine taste because the BWS has made "small" additions in the amount of chlorine used.
"However, because some areas of the island have, historically, had little or no chlorine present in the water, even a small change will be noticeable in taste," said BWS spokeswoman Jill Kuramoto.
She said chlorine is one of the most commonly used and widely accepted methods to disinfect drinking water from bacterial contamination.
On Oahu the BWS has been chlorinating its water supplies since the mid-1940s to make sure it is safe to drink, as well as to meet federal and state drinking water standards, she said.
In recent years, in response to new, more stringent regulations called the Ground Water Rule and the Revised Total Coliform Rule, the BWS has been "making adjustments" to the amount and frequency of chlorine added to its deep wells, tunnels and reservoirs.
"The changes being made are small," Kuramoto said. "We understand some individuals may be sensitive to the taste of chlorine, but our goal is to comply with regulations and maintain public health protection. At the same time, our policy is to preserve water aesthetics by adding only the minimal amount of chlorine necessary."
Kuramoto also explained that the Maunawili area is supplied with water from the Kaluanui Wells, Maakua Wells, Punaluu Wells II and III, and Waihee Tunnel water sources, all of which are chlorinated.
"Because of the dynamic nature of our system, chlorine concentration will vary from place to place depending on the blending and mixing of water coming from different sources," she said.
Kuramoto said the agency had not received taste complaints from any other Maunawili resident.
Question: I will be 90 years old (this month), and my driver’s license expires at the same time. I do not intend to drive anymore, so wish to obtain a state ID. Where can I go for a state ID card? Can you provide any information and office times?
Answer: If you have access to a computer, you can find information on how to obtain a state identification card online at www1.honolulu.gov/csd/sid/faqs_sid.htm#locations.
Here are the locations:
» City Square, 1199 Dillingham Blvd.; 532-7730
» Kapolei, 1000 Uluohia St.; 768-3100
» Koolau, 47-388 Hui Iwa St., Suite 19; 239-6301
» Wahiawa, 330 N. Cane St.; 768-4054
» Waianae, 85-670 Farrington Highway; 768-4222
The office hours, except for Waianae, are 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, except holidays.
The Waianae office hours are 7:45 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays only, except holidays.
The city advises that the busiest times are typically when schools are out as well as mornings, when an office first opens, and during the lunch hour, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mahalo
To the honest young man who turned in my handbag to the Costco Waipio membership desk back in November. You did not leave your name, so I poured my relief and gratitude upon the Costco workers who came to my aid as I ran frantically back to the store. Your thoughtful gesture was not only a great gift to me, but also to Costco employees Jesse, Stephanie and Kelly. Your act of kindness had them smiling and cheering, "You made my day!" Their belief was reaffirmed that the world will be in good hands with the younger generation. May you be blessed always.
— A Very Grateful Costco Shopper
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.
