Question: What was the flood damage to Aina Haina Public Library, and when do they expect it to reopen?
Answer: The reopening date is not firm, but likely won’t be before August, said Mallory Fujitani, a library system spokeswoman who described the extent of damage:
“The Aina Haina Public Library experienced flooding from the April 13 rain, which ran in through the front doors and a back door. While a significant portion of the library’s flooring was covered in muddy water, most of our books and materials were spared. Due to the water damage to the flooring, we are replacing all of the flooring in the library. To do so, we’ve had to box up over 57,000 items — that’s 1,700 boxes! While closed, we’ll also be taking advantage of the closure to do some minor interior repairs as well.
“Coincidentally, we had already started the process of soliciting a contractor to repaint the exterior of the library and for the renovation of the bathrooms. The exterior painting work will overlap the floor replacement work, but unfortunately, the restroom renovation project cannot be done simultaneously, as it would require us to keep the library closed even longer. So far, we estimate the cleanup work, and flooring and painting projects will cost us over $350,000.
“This week we’ll be meeting with the contractor to determine the timeline, but it looks like we probably won’t be able to reopen the Aina Haina library until August. Our Kaimuki and Hawaii Kai public libraries will be happy to assist Aina Haina library patrons, particularly patrons who participate in our annual Summer Reading program, which kicks off on June 2. This year’s Friends of the Library of Hawaii Summer Reading program — “Libraries Rock” — will feature a grand prize giveaway of a trip for four by sponsor Alaska Airlines!”
The storm that closed the library is the same one that walloped East Oahu and Kauai.
Q: Regarding the Zippy’s breach, I did use my Amex card twice in the period noted. On Saturday morning I received a message from Amex Fraud reporting my card had been compromised with charges made in Tennessee. I had reported the data compromise to Amex when the notice went out, so they were on alert and the charges were declined. They will now terminate the card and issue a new card. So, other people need to pay attention to their accounts.
A: Yes, consumers who used their credit or debit cards at Zippy’s between Nov. 23 and March 29 have been urged to check financial statements for suspicious charges of any size, as thieves may have obtained their account information. As you learned, individual theft attempts are not necessarily large — your credit card company thwarted a few charges of $100 each.
Although you cannot be certain the fraud attempt was related to the Zippy’s breach, you said it’s the first such problem you’ve had in at least 34 years of holding the credit card.
Q: Regarding bike lanes, aren’t bicyclists supposed to be riding with traffic?
A: Yes, bicyclists should travel in the same direction as other vehicular traffic on the same side of the road, unless directional arrows designate a bike lane for two-way traffic, as in the King Street Protected Bike Lane. Bicyclists may ride either direction there. This rule is spelled out in Sec. 15-18.8 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.
Mahalo
My daughter-in-law who is active-duty military wants to thank a kind stranger in front of her at the drive-thru Starbucks in Mililani. He paid for her coffee and banana bread. She assumes he did it for her service since she was in uniform and this is Military Appreciation Month. The goodness of the American people lives on! And to the men and women who proudly serve our country, HOOAH! — Ray Horita, Palolo Valley
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.
