By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Q: My house is next to a City & County canal in Niu Valley. Contracted workers come about once a month to weed-whack the pathway between the fence and the wall of the canal. Every time they do so, the seeds go everywhere and it stimulates the weed growth even faster. Why don't they just cement the area so they, or should I say, we, don't have to continue to pay for this waste of taxpayers' money?

A: City officials say the area around the canal — which spans about 1,500 linear feet — is cleaned by a private contractor each month at a cost of $40. They said newer canal improvement projects involve cementing some grass areas but that right now there isn't money for such a project on the Niu Valley canal.

Officials said spraying herbicide is not an option because of concerns such as overspraying into private property, spraying during high winds or when children are in the area.

Q: The trash trucks dumping those huge steel bins downtown are so loud that they sound like thunder and wake me every day between 5 and 5:15 a.m. I thought there was an ordinance or something preventing trash pickup before 6 a.m., but I haven't been able to confirm this with anyone at the city.

A: City officials say there are no rules, regulations or laws that prohibit refuse collection before 6 a.m. and that the front-loader that is picking up those large bins in downtown is likely a private hauler. Most private haulers and even city crews try to pick up trash early so they don't block traffic, especially on narrow downtown streets. The Department of Health used to handle such noise issues regarding refuse trucks but no longer has that authority, so it is referring complaints to the police department.

District 1 police Sgt. Lester Hite suggested first calling the company that is picking up the trash and discussing your concerns with the manager. If you are getting nowhere with the company, Hite said you may call him at 529-3386 and police can contact the company.

Residents who live outside police District 1, which covers areas from Chinatown to Ala Moana, should call their respective district police departments if they're having similar problems.

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:

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