Work at Waialae Beach Park will improve comfort station

Question: What is going on at Waialae Beach Park? The restrooms have been closed for a few months, the sand is piled in a mound and the parking lot is in disarray. Please kokua with some information.

Answer: It will be at least a few more weeks before life is back to normal at the Kahala park, where separate projects have been underway and some work has been delayed by recent rain. The recent or ongoing work includes stream dredging, beach replenishment, restroom upgrades and wastewater system repairs.

Jon Hennington, public information officer for the city Department of Parks and Recreation, explains the scope and duration of the work: “There are several things happening at Waialae Beach Park. Earlier this summer, the Department of Facility Maintenance dredged Waialae Stream in order to keep water flowing freely to the ocean. The sand from the dredging was set aside to allow water to drain away. The sand will then be used to replenish nearby beaches.

“In late July, the Department of Parks and Recreation began work to refurbish the comfort stations as part of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s parks initiative. This is one of the 24 comfort stations we are refurbishing this year.

“Finally, the Department of Environmental Services is in the process of repairing a pipe break at the Kahala Wastewater Pump Station, which is adjacent to the park. This project is ongoing and has been delayed by the frequent flood advisories and watches that occurred during August and September. The work on this project closed the Waialae Beach Park parking lot and halted work on the comfort station refurbishment.

“Work on the wastewater project is expected to wrap up in the next couple of weeks as long as heavy rains do not cause further delays. Once this work is done the refurbished comfort station and the parking lot will be reopened to the public.”

Hennington apologized for the inconvenience, thanked the community for its patience and emphasized that crews are “working as quickly as possible to get the park back in order.”

Q: A Japanese friend has her father coming to visit from Japan this month. He is in a wheelchair, and she queried regarding a motor vehicle handicap placard. She believes he has one in Japan. If so, is it usable during his stay in Hawaii?

A: Yes, as long as it is valid for the dates of his stay here. Hawaii Administrative Rule 11-219-13 provides reciprocity for disabled-parking placards legitimately issued elsewhere.

The rule states that “the state of Hawaii, counties, and private property owners shall recognize valid removable windshield placards, temporary removable windshield placards, and special license plates which have been issued by authorities of other states and countries, for the purpose of identifying persons permitted to:

(1) Utilize parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, or

(2) Exercise other parking privileges afforded by the state, counties, or private property owners for the benefit of persons with disabilities.”

In addition, the state Department of Health’s Disability and Communication Access Board can issue a letter for the visitor to use along with his placard, documenting the out-of-state placard’s legitimacy. Your friend should email dcab@doh.hawaii.gov or parking@doh.hawaii.gov to request such a letter for her father.

Francine Wai, DCAB’s executive director, explained that the accompanying letter is not required in order to use the placard in Hawaii, but that it does make it easier for visitors who might encounter parking lot attendants or others who are unaware of the reciprocal agreement. “The additional documentation we provide makes it easier for them to explain that they do have the authority to use the parking stall if someone questions them about it,” she said.

DCAB administers the disabled-parking program in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 291, Part III. To learn more see health.hawaii.gov/dcab.

Auwe and mahalo

A big auwe to the clothing store in Mililani that refused to let me use their phone to call security when I realized I had left my purse and key in my car. A big mahalo to the kind customer who overheard my plea and offered her cellphone so that I could call security. — From a shopper

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.