Question: The property manager of the apartment complex at 1512 Spreckels St. has failed to coordinate trash pickup from residents of the apartment complex there for several weeks, resulting in a heap of open and rotting trash, creating not only an eyesore to the community, but a health and safety hazard. Vesta Real Estate (the property manager) has been apprised of this situation numerous times. Residents of the area are upset at the site and health and safety hazard it poses, not only to residents, but to those children who frequent the area and will be starting school at Punahou and Maryknoll soon. I respectfully request someone look into this matter.
Answer: Accumulated garbage was removed Thursday, and the company is taking several steps to prevent trash from piling up again and to improve the 12-unit building on Spreckels Street between Dole Street and Wilder Avenue, said Courtney Takai, principal broker and vice president for Vesta Hawaii Real Estate.
“We recently took over management of the property and are working with the owner of the building to address the neighbor’s concerns with the trash and illegal dumping that has been happening at the building. As of (Thursday), all current trash has been removed,” Takai said in an email Friday.
Beginning today, the building will have a twice-a-week maintenance person who will move the trash out for pickup, she said. Among other improvements Takai cited:
>> New garbage bins
>> Weekly cleaning of the building’s common grounds
>> Repainting the building’s exterior and installing a new building sign
>> Cutting trees to minimize leaves and miscellaneous trash
>> Installing “no dumping” signs
>> Installing a camera system to deter trespassing and illegal dumping
“We are optimistic and positive that the changes noted above will improve the quality of life for the residents of 1512 Spreckels Street and its neighbors,” she said.
Q: What exactly are restrictions on cellphones while driving? A friend was recently ticketed because he looked down to plug in his phone while driving and a policeman pulled him over because he thought he was “using” his phone. He told him it is against the law to even touch your phone while driving. Is this correct?
A: Yes, it is against the law for motorists to hold a mobile electronic device while driving, per Hawaii Revised Statutes 291c-137. The law, which you can read at 808ne.ws/fonelaw, prohibits someone from operating a motor vehicle while using such a device, and defines using as “holding a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.”
There are some exceptions, including for calling 911; for emergency responders using cellphones as part of their official duties; and when a motorist is at a complete stop, pulled safely to the side of the road, with the engine off.
Auwe
Bachi to the sneaky avocado-snatchers who picked every single avocado, about 25 ripening ones, from my tree in the middle of the night Wednesday. I was waiting patiently to enjoy these and share with neighbors and friends. — Liliha/Alewa resident
Mahalo
The other day, this senior citizen man, that’s me, is walking along the 700 N. Nimitz Highway shopping center. He stumbles and falls down. In his early 80s, he cannot get up. By coincidence a big, strong man is driving by in a black SUV, sees me struggling on the ground, steps on his brakes, runs over and lifts me up like a feather. Genuinely concerned about my well-being, he asks, “Are you all right? Are you all right?” Fortunately no damage, just minor hurts and pains. A big mahalo nui loa for his great help. — Aloha, Gerhard H.
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.
