Question: There is a utility pole near 2347 Oahu Ave. that is tilting precariously. The tilt has been getting worse over the past two years and we’re concerned that it could potentially keel over during a high wind and take down all the lines along the street. My neighbor contacted Hawaiian Electric earlier this year about it and was told that they weren’t responsible for replacement but they weren’t exactly helpful as to who we should follow up with. The pole has an identification number (539476) and other tags indicating this is probably a joint pole. How do we find out who is responsible for the pole’s upkeep and replacement?
Answer: You provided photographs, which we shared with Hawaiian Electric Co. spokeswoman Shannon Tangonan who confirmed that it is a jointly owned pole. It will be replaced, based on an inspection prompted by your Kokua Line question.
“After reviewing the photographs of the leaning pole on Oahu Avenue, a Hawaiian Electric inspector went to the site last week and determined the pole must be replaced. The pole is jointly owned (with other utilities) and previously received a routine inspection in March 2016. In the March 2016 report, the inspector noted that the pole was leaning, but that it was sturdy and did not require repair or replacement at that time. Our employees would like to thank the residents for bringing this matter to our attention. The pole will be staked out today (Tuesday) and the plan is to replace it within the next few weeks, depending on scheduling concerns such as road permits,” Tangonan said in an email Tuesday.
Q: How do I get them to add my illness to the medical marijuana law?
A: By successfully petitioning the state Department of Health to add it to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use. Certified patients, physicians and advance practice registered nurses are allowed to file the requests. The petition form must be submitted by Feb. 19 to be included in public hearings tentatively scheduled for May, according to the health department. Find a link to the form and more information about the petition process at 808ne.ws/canpetfor.
In your call, you mentioned interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disease that is not specifically listed among diseases qualifying for medical cannabis. However, you could ask your doctor whether it qualifies under a broad listed category, namely “a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment” that produces any of the following symptoms: cachexia (wasting), severe pain, severe nausea, seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms. If so, there would be no need to petition the health department.
Mahalo
Thank you to the very nice person who found my car keys stuck in the keyhole of the trunk of my car in front of Ross Kahala on Jan. 15.
This old lady and her friend had a few anxious minutes looking for the keys until we found them on the floor inside the car. It took us several more minutes to figure out that a good Samaritan had done that, because I knew I never let my keys on the floor of the car. I did say a “thank you” to you out loud as we drove away, thankful for nice people still left in this world.
I hope you read this. You really made my day! Have a wonderful 2018! — Mahalo, Irene
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.
