Power to the People
Don't Get Angry, Get Solutions
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Anger is never without reason, but seldom with a good one.” Well, Ben never lived next to a constantly barking dog, drove over a canyon-size pothole or had the roots of a monkeypod tree snaking into his yard. Honoluluans have. But don’t pull your hair out just yet—we’ve found simple solutions to some of your most nagging, everyday problems.
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Problem:
The poi dog next door exercises his vocal chords 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.
Solution:
“Call it to the owner’s attention first,” says Keoni Vaughn, the manager of field services at the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS). “Sometimes the owners have no idea their dogs are barking when they’re gone.” If you haven’t had any success, call the HHS to report the situation. In order for your neighbor to be in violation of the animal nuisance law the dog must have barked continuously for 10 minutes, or intermittently for 30 minutes, unprovoked. The HHS will initially respond by sending a letter and educational materials for the owner. Additional complaints could lead to fines and an appearance in court. “We refer both parties to the Mediation Center of the Pacific as a good way to settle the problem,” says Vaughn. “Court should always be the last resort, because no matter how many tickets we write it doesn’t stop the dog from barking.” Visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187 for more information.
HUSH PUPPY
Is your dog the one doing all the barking? Don’t wait until your neighbors are fed up. Call the Animal Behavior Helpline at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Julie DeNucci, the organization’s animal behavior coordinator, advises owners that there is no such thing as barking without cause. “There must be a reason. Maybe it’s a territorial issue, or boredom or separation anxiety.” The amount of training your dog needs varies. “Sometimes it’s as simple as moving your dog into the house to give it a sense of security,” says DeNucci. “Other times it might take a professional trainer to find out what’s wrong.” For more information, call 942-7297.
Problem:
You just sat down for dinner with the family when telemarketers call.
Solution:
The National Do Not Call Registry can help. The Federal Trade Commission created the national registry in 2003; more than 157 million phone numbers are already registered. You can enter your number online at www.donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222 from the number you wish to register. After you register, the telemarketers have a 31-day grace period to take your number off their list. Here’s the catch: Calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors will still be permitted. But at least you’ll be rid of the telemarketers, and if one calls again after the grace period, you can file a complaint online. Be sure to jot down the phone number of the caller and the date and time of the call.
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Problem:
Because your bus was late you missed the season premiere of Lost.
Solution:
Alas, TheBus is, like all vehicles, dependent on traffic conditions. However, if your bus is extremely late, you can call 848-4500 to file a complaint. You might be surprised to learn that your bus is not late but that the timetable has been revised recently. You can also complain online at www.thebus.org under the link for “Customer Comments.” The online form requires the date, time and location of the incident. Or, vent via mail to Oahu Transit Service, 811 Middle St. Honolulu, HI 96819.
Web Exclusive:
7 Steps to Take Someone to Small Claims Court
1. Study the law. Check and double check that you are legally correct before you file any kind of claim.
2. Make sure your claim can be filed in the Small Claims Division. Small Claims Court handles cases for the recovery of money or property worth less than $3,500 and cases to resolve disagreements over rental security deposits.
3. Pick up the “Statement of Claim and Notice” form. There are two different forms; one for disagreements about rental security deposits, one for everything else. You can pick up the forms at the Small Claims Division (District Court of the First Circuit, 1111 Alakea St. 3rd floor).
4. File your claim. After you’ve filled out the appropriate form, bring it back to the Small Claims Division. It will cost $35 to file your claim and the clerk will help you prepare the necessary papers. The clerk will also set a hearing date for you no less than five days or more than 30 days away.
5. Notify the defendant. The clerk will prepare the notice stating when the defendant needs to appear in court, but you are responsible for notifying the defendant. The simplest way may be to send the statement via registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. You will need to show the judge the receipt to prove that the defendant was properly notified.
6. Prepare for the hearing. Gather evidence that can help your case, any written contracts, letters, bills, or photographs. Interview possible witnesses to support your case.
7. Present your case. Make sure have an organized way to present your facts. There are no appeals in Small Claims Court so it’s important to tell the judge everything.
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Problem:
The aerial roots from your neighbor’s banyan tree have touched down in your tranquil rock garden.
Solution:
Turns out, any part of the tree that’s over your property line is your responsibility. “Unless the tree is causing sensible harm to you or your property, it’s up to you to cut the branches back,” says David Callies, professor of property law at the University of Hawaii. In other words, your neighbor is not responsible if the tree is merely casting shade or dropping leaves into your yard. They’re only responsible if the tree poses a danger to you, your family, or your property. On the bright side, if your neighbor’s lychee tree hangs over the fence, the fruit is yours for the taking.
Problem:
Though you haven’t looked anything up in a paper phone book since 1999, you still seem to get four phone books dropped off every six months.
Solution:
Over 500 million directories are printed every year, or roughly one and a half directories for every man, woman and child in the U.S. Stop the madness by signing up at www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org; the Web site will contact the publishers in your neighborhood. Too bad you can’t sell those extra phone books …
Problem:
A high-wind warning closed down all public schools; what are you going to do with Junior?
Solution:
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Don’t wait until your child’s day-care provider is suddenly closed to find another option. Diane Tabangay, the executive director of childcare at YMCA, advises parents to have two or three backup childcare providers in case of an emergency. You can gather a list of licensed providers in your area by contacting PATCH, Hawaii’s nonprofit statewide childcare referral agency. “Start early, do the research, take the time to meet the daycare providers and see the environment,” says Tabangay. “That way, when an emergency arises, you already have multiple options.” Visit www.patchhawaii.org, or call 839-1988.
Problem:
Half the envelopes in your mailbox are stuffed with pre-approved credit card offers.
Solution:
Armed with just your name, address, and social security number you can take charge and stop receiving credit card offers. Consumer credit reporting companies have a list of names that they provide to credit card companies. To remove your name from that list go to www.optoutprescreen.com and fill in the required information in the “Opt-Out Form.” The Web site will notify the consumer credit reporting companies within five days. The electronic “Opt-Out Form” will only keep your name off the list for five years. To remove your name permanently you have to submit your request in writing by printing and mailing out the “Permanent Opt-Out Election Form.”
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Problem:
It’s been months and that rusted Honda is still parked at Waimanalo Beach Park.
Solution:
You can report abandoned or derelict vehicles by going online to www3.honolulu.gov/csdavcomplaints or by calling 532-7700 ext. 250. But before you jump at the chance to get rid of your neighborhood’s eyesore you might want to double check that the car is parked on a public roadway. An abandoned vehicle can be reported once it has been unattended for more than 24 hours. You will need the vehicle’s make, type, color, license plate, and location to file the report. In case additional information about the car’s location is needed, both the online form and the phone line will ask you for your contact information. Once you’ve filed a report allow ten business days for the report to get processed.
Web Exclusive:
Problem:
The ATM ate your card.
Solution:
If your card gets stuck, immediately call the customer service phone number on the ATM machine. If the ATM operator is not able to eject the card, contact your bank immediately. “Consumers have rights under federal law to prompt investigation when they report errors in electronic funds transfers,” says Stafford Kiguchi, of Bank of Hawai‘i. Assuming you reported the incident promptly, you will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. To avoid fraud, stay away from suspicious ATMs. If you see an unusual-looking device attached to the card slots or a transparent overlay on the keypad, it’s best to walk away, these might be fraudulent recording devices.
Now more than ever, it’s important to keep an eye on your money. The last thing you need is to be the victim of ATM theft or fraud. Here are some suggestions from the FDIC:
1. Know where your ATM card is at all times. Carry only the cards you think you’ll need that day. The fewer cards, the less likely they’ll be lost of stolen.
2. Destroy old or expired ATM cards as soon as possible. Make sure to cut through the account number and the magnetic strip.
3. Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) private. Don’t write it down and don’t share it with anyone who isn’t a co-owner of your account.
4. Stay away from suspicious ATMs. If you see an unusual-looking device attached to the card slots or a transparent overlay on the keypad it’s best to walk away. These might be fraudulent recording devices.
5. Pay attention to your card when you’re making purchases at retail stores. If you see it being swiped on more than one machine report the situation to the store manager.
6. Use ATMs owned by federally insured banking institutions.
Problem:
You arrived in Vegas, but your bags didn’t.
Solution:
Don’t panic. Go to a baggage service counter and file a delayed baggage report as soon as you realize your bag is missing. Most airlines require you to file a report within four hours. If you’re staying at a hotel, double-check that you gave the correct address. Chances are you will receive your bag within 24 hours. If you’re one of the very few unlucky ones who don’t receive their bags within four to five days, you can file a claim with the airline. If your flight consisted of several different airlines, the last one you flew with is the one responsible. Although you will receive reimbursement for your lost items, all airlines have things that are excluded from coverage, such as jewelry, electronics, antiques or artwork. Make sure you know what is on that list before you pack anything valuable.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU’VE LOST YOUR LUGGAGE |
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Try these loss prevention tips on your next trip: |
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1. Remove any old flight destination tags.2. Use sturdy, personalized nametags. 3. Place a copy of your itinerary inside your luggage. 4. Double-check the label that the gate agent puts on your luggage. |
5. Purchase luggage in bright colors or distinctive patterns.6. Make a list of your items before the trip.7. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, pack a set of your clothes in their bag and vice versa, so you’ll each have a backup option. |
Problem:
You’re patiently waiting for parking at Ala Moana when you see someone race into a handicapped-accessible stall, sans permit.
Solution:
You have two options: One, you can call the police and cross your fingers that they arrive before the culprit speeds off. Or you can become the police, well, sort of, as a Volunteer Special Enforcement Officer (VSEO). VSEOs help the police enforce parking laws by volunteering to patrol a minimum of five hours per week or 20 hours per month. You’ll get to wear an official uniform and yes, you can write citations. “Ninety percent of our volunteers are retired, and one-third of them have accessible parking permits themselves,” says Sgt. Emilio Laganse Jr. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 21, with a high school diploma or GED. They’ll have to pass background checks and interviews before taking classes. For more information, contact Laganse at 529-3136 or visit www.honolulupd.org.
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Problem:
The puka on Kalanianaole Highway are so big you can practically snorkel in them.
Solution:
Honolulu potholes might not be the worst in the world, but they are second worst in the United States. According to TRIP, a national transportation research group, 62 percent of Honolulu’s roads are in need of repair, a number surpassed only by Los Angeles. TRIP found that Honolulu is in third place for damage to cars, with the average motorist spending $770 a year on repairs for damages caused by poor road conditions. To report a pothole on a city road call 768-7777 or visit www.driveakamai.org. To report a pothole on a state road or highway, such as the Likelike, Pali, Farrington, H-1, H-2, or H-3, call 536-7852. The good news is both the city and the state now have programs that pay you if your vehicle was damaged by a pothole. If the incident happened on a city road, call 527-5656 for help with the refund process. If the incident happened on a state road or highway, call 586-0547. You’ll need the date, time, exact location and photos of the damages to begin your claim. The whole process can take up to three months and there’s always the possibility of your claim being denied.
Problem:
You’re sick of walking by dead appliances on Lusitana Street and roof shingles in Kakaako Park.
Solution:
Report those rogue refrigerators at 768-3300, the 24-hour Environmental Concern Hotline. Before the creation of the hotline in 2003, it was up to the caller to track down the owner of the property and the appropriate agency for the cleanup. (Yeah, right.) The hotline gives the community a simple way to report illegal dumping. “We sort the calls, identify the owner of the property, forward the report to the appropriate agency and stay in touch with the caller,” says Suzanne Jones, the recycling coordinator for Honolulu. Or tell your neighbors to off-load their couches, mattresses and rolled-up carpets properly: The City’s Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division, runs a monthly bulky-item pickup. Pickups last three to four days per area; bulky items need to be by the curb no later than 6 a.m. the first day of collection. Visit www.opala.org for the schedule and additional information.
Problem:
Late U.H. football parties and early lawn mowers are driving you pupule.
Solution:
If your neighbor has a habit of throwing parties on Sunday nights or using a leaf blower at dawn, call your Honolulu Police Department district station. But it’s up to the officer who responds to make a subjective decision, as there are no decibel limits or time restrictions on the use of lawn equipment. How do you know which HPD district to call? See this handy list of stations and phone numbers. You can also contact the Mediation Center of the Pacific at 521-6767 to settle a dispute without the police. If the noise is coming from a stationary object, like a pool pump or a faulty air conditioner, you have to contact the State Department of Health at 586-4700.
Honolulu Police Department Districts and Phone Numbers |
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District 1 – Central Honolulu: 529-3386
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District 5 – Kalihi: 842-7737
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More Helpful Numbers:
Drain and ditch cleanup: 832-7840
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Weather (emergency): 973-7151
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