Question: Thank you for the information about it being illegal to post fliers on utility poles (808ne.ws/nofliers), but does this also apply to bus stops? I live in Mililani, and we have an issue of concern.
Answer: Yes. Section 29-4.4(a)(7) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu says that “no person shall post, affix or display any notice, poster or other paper or device, calculated to attract the attention of the public, to any lamppost, public utility pole or shade tree, or upon any public structure or building except as may be authorized by law.” A city bus stop is a public structure.
Jon Nouchi, deputy director of the city’s Department of Transportation Services, provides additional information, including a phone number to which you can report problems of this type:
“Posting materials on poles or structures designated as stops for TheBus without authorization is not allowed. Both the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu and Hawaii Revised Statutes state that the posting of any materials unauthorized by the city or a designated public official is illegal.
“Bus shelters and poles are generally installed by the city and are considered city property. Where possible we mount stops for TheBus on separate poles, but in some cases riders will find some bus stop signs attached to lampposts, utility poles, and other street or traffic signs.
“We appreciate the public’s help in keeping stops for TheBus clean and free of unauthorized postings and fliers. To report any problems, please contact the Department of Transportation Services at 768-8305.”
Q: Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to be a Honolulu police officer?
A: No. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent resident aliens of the U.S. and noncitizens with unrestricted employment authorization all may be hired, as long as they meet the other minimum qualifications, according to a Honolulu Police Department.
Q: Is it true the state is still paying medical insurance for state employees even though they have retired?
A: Yes. The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) provides medical, prescription drug, dental and vision benefits to state and county employees and eligible retirees, and their eligible dependents. EUTF covers about 70,000 active employees, plus 60,000 of their dependents, and 45,000 retirees, plus 20,000 of their dependents, according to its website.
Employer contributions for retirees’ insurance premiums are dictated by state law (see Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 87A) and depend on the date the retired employee was hired and their length of service.
The employer’s Base Monthly Contribution toward health insurance premiums ranges from 50 to 100 percent for retirees with at least 10 years of service, depending on what year the person was hired.
State and county retirees and their spouses, domestic partners, civil union partners and children are among those eligible for EUTF coverage. For details about health care and life insurance benefits available to retired state and county workers, see 808ne.ws/eutfretirees.
E kala mai
My apologies to the couple who seemed like they were trying to enjoy a romantic dinner a few tables away from our “outgoing” family. They were good sports about it. And we were at a family restaurant. But still. I will try to settle the kids down a little better next time. — Remembers those long-ago date nights
Mahalo
A heartfelt thank you to the kind gentleman who paid for the lunch at Denny’s on Feb. 24. My friends and I are deeply grateful and will pay your kindness forward. — Four seniors
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
