Question: The sprinkler at a house in our Waikele neighborhood has been running 24/7 for at least 10 days. The owners only spend a few weeks a year here and are currently in Japan. We don’t know how the sprinkler went on. The gate to the yard is locked, although one neighbor jumped the fence and tried to turn the sprinkler off but couldn’t because the control is inside. We called the community association and was told all they can do is send a letter. We called the Board of Water Supply hotline repeatedly, but they don’t seem to be able to do anything about it. Is there anything anyone can do about a sprinkler that’s on in an unoccupied home?
Answer: The Board of Water Supply had been working to resolve the problem before we asked but initially was stymied because the owner couldn’t be reached.
The BWS will not automatically shut water off at the meter without first notifying the customer because of potential damage to equipment such as solar heaters, explained spokeswoman Jill Kuramoto.
Numerous efforts were made to contact the owner, based on available account information, she said. But all attempts were unsuccessful because the owner lives in another country and did not provide contact information.
On Nov. 7, after first determining that the house did not have a solar heater on its roof, the BWS shut off water at the meter and left a note for the owner, Kuramoto said.
The BWS then worked with the owner’s bank, which was able to inform him of what happened, she said.
"We recently learned that the customer’s local representative will follow up on this matter," she said.
This incident highlights the importance of customers updating their account information.
BWS customers can either call 748-5000 or use an online form at www.boardofwatersupply.com, Kuramoto said. Click on "online customer service request forms."
Question: What are the laws regarding employers providing medical insurance to their workers? I have a friend who has insurance provided to her from her husband’s employer. But her employer says regardless, it’s the law: She needs to take the medical insurance her company provides whether or not she needs it. This is costing her a monthly premium. This company is a mainland firm that provides contract services to different government businesses.
Answer: If your friend is covered under her husband’s health care plan, she can ask to be exempt from coverage under her employer’s plan.
You can find answers to such questions on the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ website: labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/frequently-asked-questions/phc.
"If an eligible employee is already covered under the spouse’s group plan, that eligible employee may sign an HC-5 (Employee Notification to Employer) form and check off item 3b to decline the employer’s offer," said William Kunstman, spokesman for the labor department.
The exemption is good for one year and must be renewed every Dec. 31. Call 586-9188 for more information.
Employees can ask to be exempt from a workplace plan if they are covered by a federal health insurance or prepaid health care plan, such as Medicare, Medicaid or medical care benefits provided for military dependents and retirees; are covered as a dependent under a qualified health care plan; are recipients of public assistance; or are followers of a religious group that depends upon spiritual means for healing.
Mahalo
To a local couple who sat next to us recently at the Mililani Mauka Chinese Restaurant. My husband and I, 88 and 84, respectively, are still basking in the warmth of their unexpected generosity. We were thoroughly surprised when the waitress told us that they had paid our bill. The pleasure they gave us will be extended to someone else! — The Loos
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.
