By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. With summer around the corner, I've been trying to figure out what to do with my kids while I'm at work. I understand the city has a summer program, but I haven't been able to find any information about it on the Internet. Can I get details about hours, prices, eligibility and how to register?

A. Registration information will be posted next week on the city's Web site and will run in MidWeek on May 5.

The city Summer Fun Program serves about 11,000 school-age children each year, running for about seven weeks at more than 60 sites, said Joyce Mitsunaga of the city Parks Department.

Care is offered weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with activities that include arts and crafts, sports and games, excursions and special events.

Registration is $25 (waived for families who receive state aid and provide a letter of eligibility). Additional activity fees can run up to $50; an optional camp program is $40. To qualify, participants should have reached age 5 before Jan. 1, 2003, and should have completed kindergarten; sixth grade is the upper limit.

For information, call the offices below:

• East Honolulu (McCully — Hawai'i Kai): 973-7250
• West Honolulu (Makiki — Hale'iwa): 522-7072
• Leeward/Central O'ahu: 675-6034
• Windward O'ahu: 233-7300

Registration dates are:

• May 10, 9 a.m.-noon.
• May 12-13, 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
  
  
  

Q. I bought some humane rat traps. After I caught the rats, I realized I didn't know what I was supposed to do with them. Is there somewhere that I'm supposed to release them? On a slightly different note, can dead rats and mice be tossed out in the trash or do I need to call for dead animal pickup?

A. If you went through the trouble of catching the rat alive, you probably aren't going to like the recommendation from the Vector Control Division of the state Department of Health.

According to Vector Control, the most humane way to dispose of a live rat is to drown it in warm water. While you are free to let a live rodent go, realize that it creates a problem for other people.

If you cannot tolerate the idea of killing the rat, call Vector Control at 483-4535 and someone will try to come out to retrieve it, although rat collecting is not part of the employees' usual duties.

A dead rat — with or without the trap — can be tossed out with the regular garbage. Just make sure it's sealed tightly, and double- or triple-bag it.

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:

• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.

Be sure to give us your name and daytime telephone number.