Question: I was interested in buying that abandoned backhoe that you wrote about on June 27, but can’t get hold of anyone at City Hall. Do you know who to contact?
Answer: That backhoe sat unclaimed for 10 months, but since having it hauled away, the city also has received inquiries about its purchase.
The backhoe will be auctioned online on the city’s Vendor Self Service website: www2.honolulu.gov/wps/portal/main/agencies/pur/pur_vss.
As we noted, the backhoe was removed from Peter Street on June 26.
It will be scheduled for auction after a minimum 30-day holding period, said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the city Department of Customer Services.
At last check the legal notice and auction dates had not been set. The notice will be published in the Star-Advertiser’s Legal Notice Section at least five days before the auction, Kajiwara said.
The buyer will be responsible for paying the winning bid price to the city, as well as the removal and hauling fee, storage fee and “incidentals” fee, plus 4.712 percent tax to the contractor that removed the backhoe, she said.
Interested buyers are encouraged to check the website as well as to look for the Star-Advertiser ad. Kajiwara said photos of the backhoe will be on the city’s website but not in the newspaper.
Question: My truck is less than 2 months old, and while driving on the H-1 freeway by Waimalu, a rock from the freeway cracked the windshield. I paid to get the windshield replaced. Can I send the bill to the state?
Answer: You can file a claim against the state by getting a claim form from the state Department of Transportation.
Call 831-6714.
You can find information on filing any kind of claim against the state on the Department of Accounting and General Services’ website: ags.hawaii.gov/aso/rmo/faq.
In the case of damage to vehicles, you are advised to document your claim, including getting two estimates for repair of the damage, or the repair bill; photographs; registration and insurance card (for a vehicle); plus other documents proving ownership.
If your claim is accepted, an adjuster from the department’s Risk Management Office will investigate.
A decision will take about 60 days and be based on whether the state was negligent in not preventing the incident from occurring.
You also are advised to file a claim as soon as possible because the statute of limitations on any claim against the state is two years from the date of the incident or accident.
“That means, if your claim is not resolved before the two-year statute of limitations, the state is not obligated to settle the claim,” according to the website. “The fact that you submit a claim does not mean that you have taken action to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring.”
CORRECTION: The number to call to get a claim form from the state Department of Transportation is 831-6714. An incorrect number was given in an earlier version of this story an the story in today’s newspaper.
AUWE
To an irresponsible driver. About 7:30 one morning, my elderly husband was crossing near Burger King in Waianae when (some) idiot rolled his car (forward) and hit my husband’s knee trying to rush him to cross. My husband put up his hands and said, “What’s up?” and the driver swore at him. My husband pounded his hood and the guy drove off. Had my husband had his glasses on, he would have gotten your license plate number and called the police. Remember what goes around comes around. — Concerned Spouse
MAHALO
To the nice person who found my wallet on the ground of the parking lot (you know where) on May 21 and left it at the customer service counter, without leaving your name. You saved me much grief. You saw my name on my military ID card, so I am asking you to call me so I can personally thank you. I am in the phone book. Thank you for making this year’s Memorial Day period a memorable one. — JJK
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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.
