Question: Who pays the water bill at city-county parks? On July 4 I observed park users tapping into a water fountain to supply water to their slip-and-slide. I’ve also observed park users tapping into other water fountains to get water to wash their car, cook and clean dishes, and take a shower. On Wednesday I observed a broken sprinkler head leaking copious amounts of water. Are taxpayers paying for all this water usage?

Answer: Yes, taxpayers foot the bill if the park taps into the water supply managed by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. That would be true of any municipal, state or federal facility on the BWS system, said Kathleen M. Pahinui, information officer for the Board of Water Supply.

“We bill each of the government agencies if they are hooked up to and using water from the BWS system. There are occasions where the water used comes from a different source; for example, many of the military bases have their own water facilities and do not tap into the BWS system. The reflecting pool at the state Capitol is fed by a brackish-water well located in the basement of the building,” she said.

Any community member who notices a water violation of the types you describe (or others) should contact the BWS Water Waste Hotline by calling 748-5041 or emailing contactus@hbws.org “with the time, date, exact location (address, park name, location in the park, etc.) and we will contact the appropriate agency so they can remedy the leak or take measures against tapping into the system without permission,” Pahinui said.

You said that you reported the broken sprinkler head to park employees twice but that it continued to gush days later. You declined to identify the city park to Kokua Line, so we can’t follow up directly, but hope that you will alert the BWS as Pahinui advised.

Q: A neighbor cones off parking spots in front of his house. This is on a public street. He says he has to because Airbnb is taking over and his family can’t find a place to park anywhere close. Is this legal? If it is, I’ll do it, too.

A: No. It’s illegal for a private citizen to paint the curb red, cone off, rope off or otherwise reserve a parking space on a public street. Your neighbor’s legitimate “reserved” parking is limited to his own property. Kokua Line receives many questions and complaints of this type, reflecting Honolulu’s parking crunch as residents and tourists jockey for position.

Auwe

To the driver of a white BMW sedan: You did something reckless and dangerous. With the Kinau Street exit backed up, you selfishly merged you car into the lane, leaving half your car sticking out into the far right lane of the freeway. Drivers had to hit their brakes. You could have caused an accident. You impeded the flow of traffic. Drivers blasted their horns at you. I don’t blame them. Next time, take the Punahou Street exit and backtrack. That’s called defensive driving. It might take you out of the way, but it shows a sense of intelligence and consideration toward your fellow drivers. If you were running late, leave earlier. Before you leave your house, check Google Maps’ traffic. It will show you flow patterns. If it’s red, there is a slowdown. It helps you plan accordingly. Use technology for your benefit instead of taking selfies. — A reader

Mahalo

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Edna, a Mililani teacher, who graciously lent a hand on Father’s Day after celebrating with her family. Without her help I would have had difficulty maneuvering my husband’s transport chair from the parking lot to the Mandalay Restaurant. She even escorted us to our table. Edna is indeed a good Samaritan! Many thanks to her! — N.

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.