BUREAUCRACY BUSTER
Outdoor burning is illegal on O'ahu
By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
Q: What are the rules for burning rubbish? Can I burn rubbish in an outdoor fireplace?
A: Don't do it. Open fires are illegal on O'ahu. The Department of Health can issue permits for agricultural burning, but that only applies to fields.
According to Honolulu Deputy Fire Chief John Clark, burning rubbish outdoors is not permitted in any county with a population of more than 500,000, which means open burning is not allowed anywhere on O'ahu, including in outdoor fireplaces. Anyone requesting more information should call the State's Clean Air Branch at 586-4200.
Fire Department spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada said the fire department will respond to and extinguish any unauthorized fires. If neighbors complain, the property owner can be cited by the Health Department's Clean Air Branch, he said. Open burning is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in prison.
Q: I would like to know how someone would find legal representation by the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse. Are there any charges for services and court expenses? Also, is there an agency that oversees or regulates this type of nonprofit organization?
A: The Domestic Violence Clearinghouse offers certain types of legal representation to domestic violence victims for a nominal fee, but has a moratorium on taking new clients until the wait list is exhausted. However, if you call the clearinghouse hotline at 531-3771, someone can refer you to other legal services, as well as social service agencies that can help with housing, financial and counseling needs.
The clearinghouse offers legal representation to victims seeking temporary restraining orders, divorce, post-divorce or paternity actions. A nominal fee is charged for temporary restraining orders, but the fees are higher for other services.
The agency is a private nonprofit organization and must meet state and federal regulations.
Do you ever get frustrated or confused trying to navigate the various layers of government? Are you looking for an answer to a simple question but can't figure out where to start? If you have a question or a problem and need help getting to the right person, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster one of three ways:
• Write to:
The Bureaucracy Buster
The Honolulu Advertiser
605 Kapi'olani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com
• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.
Be sure to give us your name and daytime telephone number.
