Kokua Line: Dredging of Ala Wai Canal is pushed back until January

Question: What’s happening on the Ala Wai dredging? I have not seen any activity.

Answer: “Dredging work on the Ala Wai is now expected to begin next month,” said A.J. McWhorter, a spokesman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

A tentative construction schedule posted in October, when repairs began on canal walls, had projected that dredging work would begin in early December. That schedule has been updated to indicate dredging will begin sometime in January. The projected completion date remains September. For details, see 808ne.ws/canal and click on “Construction Schedule.”

The DLNR, which last dredged the Ala Wai Canal in 2002, expects this project to remove 186,000 cubic yards of material from the canal.

Q: Do adults vaccinated against measles as kids need a booster shot?

A: No, not if they received two doses of the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose,” the health agency says on its website.

Few people (about 3 out of 100) who received two doses of measles vaccine might still catch the measles if exposed to the virus, but they are much more likely to have a milder case and less likely to spread the disease to other people, including those who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have compromised immune systems, according to the CDC.

Q: How long is the doctor’s signature good for on the handicap placard form? I did the paperwork a month ago but never turned it in.

A: The physician or advanced practice registered nurse’s signature verifying that you are eligible for a disability parking permit is valid for up to 180 days if you are applying for a long-term placard (blue) or 60 days if you are applying for a temporary placard (red). The signature on the form must be original; copies of any signatures will not be accepted.

Since you are applying for a disability parking placard for the first time, take your completed form to a satellite city hall for processing; you’ll get your placard there. Renewals are handled differently; they are done by mail.

Q: You know how restaurants get those green placards (or not!) from the Health Department? Does that apply to school cafeterias, too?

A: Yes. Go online to 808ne.ws/cafins and enter the school’s name in the search field to view Department of Health inspection reports for the school’s cafeteria.

Auwe

If people would follow the law, they can indulge with legal fireworks at legal times. Yet for years and years we have had to endure illegal fireworks going off at illegal times and explosions that rattle houses and cars. These explosions destroy the well-being of pets and people with PTSD from being in war. Yet the powers that be seem to take this as “no big deal.” Then the police have to “see them lighting the fireworks,” and to boot it says we are legal to use our cellphones to document the violation but we have to show up in court. Are they kidding us? Why aren’t they out enforcing this themselves, because it is clearly illegal? This is the problem with our state and city. They pass all these laws with no bite. Sad. — P.H.

Mahalo

I am a senior citizen who on Sept. 27 went to the satellite city hall at Ala Moana Center to get a handicap parking placard. I expected “strictly business” service but was pleasantly surprised. I was assisted by Helen, who was professional but also very friendly and patient with a sense of humor. Helen, thank you for the positive experience. — S.K.

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.