Question: Every now and then we get guys knocking on our door looking to do jobs. They offer to trim trees, or fix the fence or whatever is obvious from the street. We do have some maintenance I would like to get done but I am wary about hiring off the street. I ask for their business card and usually they have one and sometimes it even has a license number on it. Is there a way to verify this information?
Answer: Yes. Licensed contractors are listed on the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ website. Go to pvl.ehawaii.gov and click on the link for “PVL Licensee Search.” You’ll be able to search for professional and vocational licensing, by the person’s name, business name or contractor’s license number.
The site notes whether the person’s license is active, current, valid and in good standing, or some other, lesser status.
If you lack internet access, call 586-3000. Once the recorded greeting begins, press 5, for verification of licensure.
You are wise to trust your instincts and verify whatever credentials the prospective contractor or handyman provides.
Recycle E-Waste
Central Union Church and Sims Recycling Solutions are teaming up to offer free e-waste recycling on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 1600 S. Beretania St. The parking lot is along Punahou Street.
The general public, including businesses, are welcome to drop off old computers, monitors, laptops, printers, fax machines, servers and telephones. All brands are accepted, and there is no limit on the quantity each vehicle may drop off.
The church will accept items only on Saturday; if you are unable to make it, call Sims at 488-8870 for other options. Also, this event is only for telecommunications equipment. TVs, alkaline batteries, microwave ovens and other appliances will not be accepted. The recycling day is organized by the church’s Green Team.
“It is estimated that e-waste comprises about 2 percent of the municipal solid waste stream,” said team chairwoman Carolynn Bell-Tuttle. “That 2 percent also represents around 70 percent of the overall toxic waste that you currently find in landfills today. We do not want this toxic waste to get into our drinking water!”
Q: Oahu’s feral cat population is out of control. I see a dead cat on the road almost every day. It’s sad, but also disgusting. Who comes to get the carcasses?
A: Call the city’s Refuse Division at 768-3200 to report a dead animal. Once the recorded greeting begins, press 1, then press 8. According to the recording, calls are answered from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.
Q: What’s the number for that free emergency highway service? Also, are you supposed to tip those guys?
A: Call the Freeway Service Patrol at 841-HELP (4357). FSP operates on the H-1, H-2 and Moanalua Freeways from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, except holidays. The no-fee assistance to stranded motorists is intended to keep Oahu’s busiest traffic routes moving, especially during rush hour. As to your second question: No, you are not supposed to tip, although many grateful motorists wish they could, according to the comments we receive at Kokua Line. The state Department of Transportation, which oversees the program, states that “FSP drivers are not allowed to accept gratuities or tips at any time.”
Mahalo
I walked to the gym thinking I would stop at Subway on the way home to pick up some sandwiches for my dad, which I do from time to time.
When it came time to pay I realized that I had not grabbed enough cash on my way to the gym. I told the workers that I would be right back and they said it would be OK, but the kind gentleman behind me just paid for my balance. I didn’t get his name, because I was a bit embarrassed, so I hope he reads this: Thank you, sir. I hope I can return the favor to you any time. — M.S.
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.
