Question: What is Consolidated Theatres’ policy on the use of electronic cigarettes within the movie area? I recently attended a movie at the Mililani theaters when two people sitting directly in front of me used their e-cigarettes. They constantly blew the vapors upward, distracting from the movie. Although the scent was not as strong as cigarette smoke, there was an odor that I, a nonsmoker, found offensive. They smoked their e-cigarettes through most of the movie.
Answer: E-cigarettes are prohibited, whether inside the theaters or anywhere else on Consolidated property.
“The use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc., whether tobacco or electronic, is strictly prohibited on Consolidated Theatre premises, including but not limited to auditoriums, lobby, restrooms, work areas and offices,” said Lindsey Chun-Hori, promotions and events manager for Consolidated Theatres Hawaii.
Anyone using smoking devices in any Consolidated facility will be asked to stop, then directed to appropriate smoking areas outside, she said. Patrons are advised to alert any employee or theater manager if they see this happening.
“It’s very important to us that our guests are comfortable and able to enjoy movies in a smoke-free environment,” she said. “We’re currently working on signage to run on screen before our movies.”
While there is no state law regulating e-cigarettes, individual businesses and property owners are free to determine their own policies.
See is.gd/hs4SG5, as well as a July 9 story in the Star-Advertiser about the growing popularity of e-cigarettes: is.gd/hoDJGv.
Question: I recently was legally parked in a handicapped stall fronting Chun Wah Kam in Waimalu.
Between me and another handicapped stall is the hatched access lane. When I returned to my car, an SUV was parked in the access area. What gives with people who think that because they have a handicapped placard they can park anyplace? Can you educate the public that it is illegal to park in an access aisle? What is the fine for parking there, whether or not you have a placard?
Answer: Under Section 291-57 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, it is illegal to park in an access aisle or to obstruct the ingress or egress to a parking space reserved for a person with a disability.
An “access aisle” is defined as the area adjacent to a parking space reserved for a person with a disability that is meant “to be used exclusively by that person for the purpose of entering and exiting a vehicle.”
The fine for parking there is between $250 and $500, plus any court costs.
MAHALO
To the kindness of strangers. One day in June,
I was quite ill and struggling with a pair of crutches.
I had multiple obstacles, was feverish and couldn’t open my eyes properly. Still, I tried to make my way through Aina Haina Shopping Center from the doctor to Foodland. At least 17 strangers, of all ages and races, stopped to help, from holding my book to a woman who actually offered to drive me home! The outpouring of sympathy and aid was truly astonishing.
I live on the North Shore, supposedly a haven for aloha, but nearly everyone who passed me stopped to help.
Except for Dr. Seberg’s nurses, I had never met any of these kind strangers, so I hope at least one sees this and knows that their kind concerns much lessened my extreme pain and embarrassment at being so inept in public. Mahalo nui loa. Aloha can be found anywhere on this island. — Coni
MAHALO
To the Board of Water Supply maintenance crew for quick action recently in making repairs so that Keeaumoku Street residents could continue their showers. — Keeaumoku resident
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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.
