By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. Hawai'i does not require freshness expiration dates on egg cartons. With few exceptions, egg cartons here carry indecipherable codes that make it impossible to know the age of the eggs we are buying. Stale eggs don't cook properly and rotten eggs may breed salmonella, resulting in food poisoning. This is especially critical in Hawai'i because so many eggs are shipped from the Mainland. Why don't state regulators put expiration dates on egg cartons so consumers can buy smart and avoid needless health risks?

A. Hawai'i is one of several states that do not require expiration dates on egg cartons, according to Janelle Saneishi, state Department of Agriculture spokeswoman. Expiration and "use by" dates are optional. A team of inspectors from the agency's Quality Assurance Branch tests market eggs for freshness and grading standards. Eggs that are properly handled and refrigerated may hold their grade for about 30 days, she said. Because improperly handled eggs will not last as long, expiration dates may give a false sense of security, Saneishi said.

Q. I am a resident manager for a Waikiki condominium. On the top floor of the adjacent building, overlooking the driveway between the two buildings, resides a woman who feeds numerous pigeons. Every morning, and sometimes evenings, this woman has been observed throwing six to eight cups of birdseed out her bathroom window. Invariably, the seeds blow onto our property, into the pool, on the parking deck and planter surrounding the pool. This encourages the birds to feed and roost on our property. The unsightly feathers and droppings on walls, decks, lanais and window ledges are a nightmare. Is there an ordinance that covers the feeding of pigeons in Waikiki? What agencies can help us?

A. Neither the state nor the city has laws governing the feeding of birds. Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo said the only law she knows of bars the feeding of feral animals on state property. However, Okubo said the complainant could call the Vector Control Branch of the Health Department at 483-2535 to report a problem. The staff could talk to the person believed to be responsible for the situation, although Okubo suggested there should be some proof. Ultimately, however, "they can't require her to do anything," Okubo said. Further, it's up to the property owner to clean up bird droppings that land on his or her property. City spokeswoman Carol Costa suggested calling the Neighborhood Justice Center to mediate.

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