Question: If I build an ADU, does it have to have its own sewer bill? It’s for the in-laws.
Answer: Yes. Accessory dwelling units and ohana units are considered separate dwelling units and are charged a sewer base charge and volume charge, just like the main unit of a multiple-unit property, according to the city’s Department of Environmental Services. There is no discount on sewer fees for these additional units, it says.
Q: Why would a renter worry about a property tax surcharge? Even if it passes, they don’t own the home and aren’t responsible for property taxes.
A: Because presumably the investment property owner, in this case a landlord, would pass the cost on to the tenant when the current lease expires and the rental agreement is renegotiated. That’s what the Oahu renter who asked about the proposal assumed (808ne.ws/627kline).
The proposal, if approved by Hawaii voters Nov. 6, would amend the state constitution to expand property-taxing authority to the state; currently that power is restricted to the counties. If approved, the Legislature would be allowed to establish a surcharge on investment real property to support public education.
Q: How many tourists are there in Hawaii on any given day?
A: More than 218,000, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. It put Hawaii’s average daily visitor census at 218,272 people in 2016, the most recent year available. The current figure would be slightly higher, since tourist arrivals continue to rise.
Shredding update
Saturday’s free document shredding, publicized recently in Kokua Line, has added an extra hour and won’t have a limit per person, said organizer Rene Mansho, citing a first for the “Going Green” community recycling events. Shred-it’s document destruction service will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the duration of the event at Leilehua High School, 1515 California Ave. in Wahiawa, and the usual limit of two banker’s boxes or bags per person won’t apply.
The event also will collect the usual “Going Green” items, including computers, monitors, printers and scanners; one TV per car; HI-5 beverage containers; used household cooking oil; all kinds of batteries; used clothing, eyeglasses and hearing aids; towels and blankets; and canned goods and pet food.
Mahalo
How fortunate we are that PBS Hawaii archives some of its programs, including “Na Mele,” featuring our talented musicians, some of whom have passed away. Their encores bring us much listening pleasure. — Mandy Bowers
Mahalo
On June 20 at around noon, I was trying to remove an old hibiscus tree in front of my property, facing Hind Iuka Drive. It had deteriorated from age, and when I applied some pressure on it, although it was more than an inch in diameter, it broke and I managed to lose my balance and fall facedown. I do remember hitting my nose on the ground. A lady in a dark sedan was passing by at the time, and she stopped her car to come out and ask me if I was OK, and was prepared to offer assistance. I had a few bruises on my knees and had broken the skin on my left arm, but otherwise I was fine. I thanked her very much, and she drove away, up the valley, after making sure that I did not need assistance. I didn’t ask her name. … I would like Kokua Line to let her know that I am very thankful for her consideration and her offering to help me. It’s nice to be reminded that there still are very nice people like her around, in this age, when “turn your back on other people’s plight” seemingly is the norm. — Appreciative old guy in a straw hat
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.
