Question: I have tried contacting ‘Olelo (Channel 53), but they never answer so I am asking Kokua Line. Is it possible to order a copy of a program shown on ‘Olelo Channel 53?
Answer: It might be possible to order a DVD copy directly from an individual program’s producer, and viewers with Internet access also can view past shows via ‘Olelo Community Media’s online archives, said Jack Bates, ‘Olelo’s senior adviser for marketing.
“‘Olelo is happy to assist, and I apologize that your reader has not been able to get this information directly from us,” he said, offering to expedite your request since you previously had trouble getting through.
Please contact Kokua Line to provide your phone number or email address so that we can pass along additional instructions specific to your query.
Anyone who produces content for the community public-access stations must include contact information in the program’s credits, Bates said. In general, viewers should contact the producer directly to request a DVD, he said.
However, any viewer who cannot recall that information and lacks online access can call ‘Olelo’s main office at 834-0007; press zero or stay on the line to reach the receptionist. ‘Olelo will put the viewer in contact with the show’s producer to see whether a DVD can be obtained directly from him or her, Bates said.
Viewers with Internet access can see past programs at olelo.org. Click on the ‘OleloNet button on the home page to link to the video-on-demand search function.
The ‘Olelo Community Media public-access system includes cable TV channels 49, 53, 54, 55; traffic alerts; and on-demand online streaming of ‘Olelo programming. ‘Olelo also provides access to video production training and equipment, studio production space, editing facilities and airtime for people to deliver noncommercial programming of community interest.
Q: I am a senior citizen and have enjoyed the services of the public library for many years. However, for the first time, I unfortunately lost a book. … I will have to pay the library $23 plus a $5 nonrefundable fee. If I find the book and return it with the receipt, I will be refunded the $23. However, if someone else finds the book and returns it to a library — as all good citizens would hopefully do — I don’t get my $23 back. I understand my responsibility. It is a very large, unexpected amount, and the library has offered to allow me to pay it incrementally. But I don’t understand the refund policy. Please explain why this seemingly unfair policy is in place. I understand that the $23 is to replace the lost book. But why would the library refund me the $23 if I found and returned the book, say a year from now — after a replacement copy had already been purchased — but not if someone else returned it?
A: Save your receipt for the replacement cost and check periodically to see whether someone else returns the book in good condition within a year of its due date. Kokua Line followed up with the Hawaii State Library System and was assured that you can be refunded the $23 with proper documentation within the time period, regardless of who returns the book. Here’s the full response from library system administrators, as forwarded by spokesman Paul H. Mark:
“Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear that an item you checked out was lost but we understand that despite best intentions, these things happen. You are correct that if you find the lost book within one year of the due date and in usable condition you can then return the item with the original receipt for a reimbursement for the cost of the item.
“If you would like to check intermittently with the library system to see if the lost book has been returned by someone else, you can check using the title and bar code found on the receipt. If we find that the item has been returned and you can provide the original receipt we will issue you a refund on the cost of the item. Again, this must be done within one year of the item due date.
“We hope this answers any concerns you may have and we hope that you continue to enjoy the use of your public library for many years to come.”
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.