Question: There was a large advertisement for tattoo removal in the Jan. 20 Star-Advertiser that said, "Attention All Law Enforcement and Military Personnel: New Tattoo Removal Law goes into effect July 1, 2014." What is that law?
Answer: There is no new law that takes effect July 1 related to tattoo removals or tattoos in general.
But the Honolulu Police Department will have a new policy prohibiting officers from having visible tattoos while on duty, while the Army also is moving to impose a more restrictive policy.
HPD added a new section on “Tattoos, body ornaments, etc.” to its dress and grooming standards in September.
“Officers are being given until July 1 to comply with the new section,” said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu. “It’s up to them whether to cover (tattoos) with long sleeves or makeup or have it removed.”
The new policy says, “No officer shall have any visible body art, tattoo, body ornament, intentional scarring or mutilation, or dental ornament while he or she is on duty, in uniform, or representing the department in any official capacity.”
Yu said the new policy “is consistent with the policies adopted by other law enforcement agencies and the military.”
Meanwhile, Army Regulation 670-1, which covers such things as tattoos and grooming, and the accompanying Department of the Army pamphlet “are currently in the final stages of approval by the Secretary of the Army,” Lt. Col. Alayne P.Conway, public affairs officer for the Army in Washington, D.C., said in an email. “Once approved, the details will be released immediately.”
It has been reported that the Army plans to tighten its regulations not just on tattoos, but also on such things as hair grooming, sideburns, body piercings, use of cosmetics, etc.
According to the Sept. 23 edition of the Stars and Stripes, new recruits would not be allowed to have tattoos that show below the elbows and knees or above the neckline under the new policy. Current soldiers, however, may be grandfathered in.
The current Army policy prohibits tattoos or “brands” anywhere on the head, face and neck above the class A uniform collar, as well as tattoos or brands “that are extremist, indecent, sexist or racist anywhere on the body.”
Little Fire Ants
The state Department of Agriculture says if you encounter the highly invasive little fire ants, do not move them.
In Monday’s “Kokua Line” we noted that the ants were found on hapuu logs at several garden shops on Oahu in December. Agriculture officials said anyone who recently purchased hapuu should place it in a plastic bag, seal it and turn it in.
However, the word now from the Agriculture Department is not to move the hapuu to a freezer or anywhere else. Instead, immediately call the Pest Hotline at 643-7378 for instructions.
Mahalo
To the resident manager of an apartment building nearby and a gentleman on a bike who assisted me when I had a fainting spell as I exited the drive-thru at Panda Express recently. I thank God I did not hit anything or anyone, but just slowly coasted to a stop at the curb. These good Samaritans called the ambulance and provided water, words of comfort and encouragement and even offered to store my vehicle. I am recovering and have learned much from this experience. Thank you all and God bless. — Lorrie
Mahalo
To the city Office of Information and Complaint and the tree trimming crew that took care of the situation on Hinamoe Place in Keapuka. I noticed a tree branch hanging dangerously above the street and called the office because I could not reach anyone at the number given for tree trimming. The lady who answered was very professional and said she would forward the message immediately. Presto, within a couple of hours the branch had been cut and the danger removed. Mahalo and a job well done. — Graham S. Hanson
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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.
