Question: I was surprised they’re thinking about getting rid of neighborhood boards, because I have lived here two years now and I didn’t even know we have neighborhood boards! Is this someplace to bring complaints about traffic, crime, noise, etc.?
Answer: Yes, residents air all sorts of community concerns at the public meetings, which representatives from government agencies (including law enforcement) also generally attend.
You didn’t mention where you live, so we can’t provide specifics about your neighborhood board, but you can find out about the whole system at honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html, the website of Honolulu’s Neighborhood Commission Office.
The site includes links to a map and indexes of Oahu’s 33 neighborhood boards, as well as meeting schedules, agendas, minutes and a video archive of past meetings.
You also can find information on social media (the commission’s Facebook page is one place to start) or by calling the commission at 768-3710.
A Honolulu Charter Commission subcommittee recommended last month that the question of whether to abolish neighborhood boards be put to voters this November. The full commission has yet to take up the recommendation. Critics describe the neighborhood board system as outdated and bureaucratic, while fans hail the face-to-face interaction the meetings foster among elected officials, government employees and the general public.
Q: Does my son have to be in summer school to get the free breakfast and lunch?
A: No, but your child’s school must be participating in the summer meals program. Call your neighborhood public school to confirm, or check the list on the state Department of Education’s website at 808ne.ws/1Phi1GR. As of Friday 68 public schools were included.
The meal service is limited to public schools that offer some type of summer program on campus and where at least 50 percent of regularly enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches due to low family income. Most participating schools will offer breakfast and lunch on weekdays to children under 18. Enrollment in the summer classes is not required.
‘Going Green’
The city is hosting a “Going Green” community recycling event at Honolulu Hale from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday. Drivers should enter Honolulu Hale from the King Street driveway and exit onto Punchbowl Street. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload cars.
Accepted items will include computers, printers, scanners, one TV per car, cellphones and mobile electronic devices, ink cartridges, gently used clothing and household items, used eyeglasses and hearing aids, used household cooking oil, all types of batteries, dog and cat food, towels and blankets, prom dresses, women’s business suits and women’s accessories. Incandescent bulbs can be swapped for compact fluorescent bulbs (maximum of four per car), and free towing of unwanted cars is available by appointment. Donations of rice and canned goods for the Hawaii Foodbank also are encouraged.
Not accepted: scrap metals, tires, paint, microwave ovens, cardboard and other paper, motor oil, hazardous fluids or green waste.
For more information, contact Rene Mansho at 291-6151 or renemansho@hawaii.rr.com.
Mahalo
On behalf of all Hawaii ocean/water safety officers and state law enforcement officers, a heartfelt mahalo to everyone in the community who showed their support for our Maui lifeguards. Many made calls, sent emails, submitted testimony and sign-waved. Someone even came out to speak to the Maui Council members about the ocean safety officers who saved his life. With their efforts and those of many HGEA members and staff, the Maui County Council passed a budget to include funding for Maui lifeguards’ arbitrated pay raises. Ocean safety officers in Hawaii work in some of the most treacherous ocean conditions. Many of the millions of visitors to our state come for our beautiful beaches, and our lifeguards help our visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches safely. We appreciate the recognition to be fairly compensated for the risks we take on the job every day. — Thank you and much aloha, Mel Puu
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.
