Question: Do you know if there will be one of those free shredding events after tax season?
Answer: Yes. AARP’s “Shred Fest” is scheduled for April 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Free document shredding will be provided at the Access Information Management destruction plants in Aiea, Kailua-Kona and Wailuku.
These will be drive-thru events, with unloading assistance available. Each occupant of every vehicle will be allowed to drop off a maximum of four file boxes or bags for confidential on-site destruction of sensitive paperwork. Staples and paper clips need not be removed.
You don’t have to be a member of AARP to participate, but based on the popularity of past events, we’d advise that you not show up at the last minute.
There is no fee, but participants are encouraged to bring donations of brown rice and canned goods, which will be donated to a food bank on the island where it was collected.
Here are the drop-off locations:
Oahu: 98-736 Moanalua Loop, Aiea
Hawaii island: 73-4164 Hulikoa Drive No. 5, Kailua-Kona
Maui: 124 Manea Place, Wailuku
The AARP website about the event includes links to maps and directions: aarp.cvent.com/shred4-30.
Q: What is the proper way to dispose of an old nonrefillable household fire extinguisher?
A: On Oahu you can bring it to one of the city’s Drop-Off Convenience Centers for Refuse and Recycling, according to the Department of Environmental Services.
The website opala.org has a section that spells out how to dispose of common household hazardous waste. Fire extinguishers are listed among the items you can drop off on your own, as opposed to numerous items that call for special handling at scheduled events that require appointments.
Please keep in mind that the guidelines apply only to small quantities of hazardous waste disposed of by residential households, and apply to items such as cleaning supplies, paint and cooking oil. “Households with large quantities of any type of hazardous waste must call the city’s Refuse Division for disposal instructions. Commercial businesses and industrial operations must comply with city, state and federal regulations for disposing of their hazardous waste,” according to the website.
You can find your closest drop-off point by checking the Environmental Services listing in the City and County Offices section of the Oahu phone book, or online at 808ne.ws/ 25BDMWX.
National Library Week
National Library Week is officially April 10-16, but Hawaii’s public libraries have special events lined up for the whole month to celebrate. The schedule includes storytellers, poets, scientists, artists, musicians, dancers and authors in an array of diverse programs across the islands. There’s something for everyone, sure to educate and entertain. Visit your local library for details, or check 808ne.ws/1SteZun.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the homeowner who lives at the 12th green at Mililani Golf Club. We were there March 25 to officiate a “Closest to the Pin” contest for our Project Grad golf fundraiser. It started pouring with thunder and bright lightning when the homeowner came out to his back fence to call us in to his patio to sit and wait out the downpour. The tournament was later canceled, and we were shuttled back to the clubhouse, dry and safe. Such an act of aloha by a total stranger needs to be acknowledged and is greatly appreciated. — Mahalo and aloha, SL 2016
Mahalo
Mahalo to the person who turned in my wallet to the main police station Tuesday. I lost it at Ala Moana Beach Park. Someone took the cash and threw the wallet in the trash. A lady who was looking for recyclable cans and bottles found it. When she could not locate me, she was kind enough to take it to the police station.
I am so thankful and appreciative! She saved me endless hours of replacing items in it. I will pay your kindness forward to others, and God bless you for taking the time to do this! — Dorothy
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.