Question: Regarding short-term vacation rentals, are they yanking the NUCs?
Answer: No. Nonconforming use certificates (NUCs) for transient vacation units and bed-and-breakfast homes on Oahu will be honored and can be renewed under the new regulations, according to the city.
The Department of Planning and Permitting has tried to dispel rumors to the contrary by stating on its website that “the NUC program will continue as usual, meaning (certificates) have to be renewed every even-numbered year. Ordinance 19-18 only requires those with NUCs to include the NUC number in advertisements beginning Aug. 1, 2019.”
Find the list of 770 Oahu TVUs and 38 bed-and-breakfast properties holding NUCs at 808ne.ws/nuclist; they’ll be due for renewal next year.
These permits were obtained decades ago by TVUs that had been operating before Oct. 22, 1986, and by bed-and-breakfasts open before Dec. 28, 1989.
Q: Regarding the limit for getting liquids through the TSA line, does that apply to prescription medication?
A: No, the Transportation Security Administration “allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection,” according to its website.
Otherwise, liquids in carry-on luggage are limited to 3.4 ounces per container.
The TSA says to remove medically necessary liquids from your carry-on bag before the security screening begins, and also to declare accessories such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes. All these items must be screened, either by X-ray or another method of inspection, which might require opening the container, the TSA says. Label items beforehand to speed the process.
If you don’t want your medication to be X-rayed or opened, let the agent know and be prepared for further scrutiny, including a pat-down search.
If the liquid triggers a security alarm, it may not be allowed on the plane, even if you need it for a medical reason, the TSA says.
Air traffic
Readers have commented about unusual air traffic seen from Leeward Oahu. The state Department of Transportation says maintenance work at the Honolulu airport has altered flight patterns. Pavement improvements on Runway 4-R are restricting landings there through Aug. 1. Planes are using Runway 8-L instead, which changes their approach to the airport and increases air traffic over the Ewa plains, the DOT said in a news release.
Auwe
Auwe! There is a mango thief in the Kaimuki area. My white Pirie mango tree was raided while I was out shopping. The brazen thief walked into my gated yard and stole white Pirie mangoes from my tree. If the thief tries to sell these white Pirie mangoes, I hope no one buys them; they are stolen goods. I am sick just thinking about it. What can’t people ask, “May I have a mango?” — Reader
Mahalo
On Tuesday I went to mail a card at the drive-thru mailbox at the Kahala Post Office. It is very high for me to reach; I always have a hard time. This time the wind blew the card out of my hand, and the card fell. I opened my door, but the mailbox was blocking my way so I couldn’t pick it up. There were several cars lined up behind me, so I drove forward, meaning to park, pick up my card and put it into the mailbox. I use a walker and knew I would have a hard time. Several cars went through but one of them stopped. She was a local Japanese woman, and she got out and motioned to me as if to ask if the card was mine and did I want her to put it into the mailbox. I nodded excitedly and she did! I thanked her repeatedly from my car! I was so grateful to her! I hope she reads this. — A reader
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.
