BUREAUCRACY BUSTER
What to do if city trees spoil view?
By Gordon Y.K Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer
Q. We live on Nawiliwili Street in Portlock. Over time, the shower trees planted and maintained by the city on the strip between the sidewalk and the street outside our neighbors' yard have grown as high as 25 feet and completely block our view of the ocean. Is there a way to have these trees removed?
A. The Urban Forestry Division of the city Department of Parks and Recreation does not remove trees to open up view planes, according to city spokeswoman Carol Costa. "They do, however, remove trees when they are diseased or dead or for safety and health reasons," she said.
A beautification crew will go out to "see if some selective pruning can be done" on the trees, Costa said.
People with complaints about trees needing trimming should call the horticulture services section of the Urban Forestry Division at 971-7151. Or call the complaints section of the Department of Customer Services at 523-4381.
Q. I live in a condominium with an enclosed lanai. The person living below me has an open lanai from which he smokes. I am not a smoker, and the secondhand smoke comes into my unit every time he lights up — which is often! Don't I have any rights?
A. Sorry, but there are no county or state laws pertaining to lanai smoking in a residence. Smoking is not prohibited "within the premises of a person's dwelling or home, including either covered or uncovered lanais," according to Julian Lipsher, director of the state Health Department's Tobacco Prevention and Education Project.
There are "no easy answers, but there may be some approaches" that people can take, Lipsher said. First, call his office at 586-4613 for materials explaining the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and how to deal with neighbors who light up.
Q. We live on Halekoa Drive in Honolulu and have always had problems with drivers speeding up the street. The 25-mph sign that was near the corner of Halekoa and 'Ainakoa is missing. Just the post stands there. Up a ways at the bus stop, the 25-mph sign is gone. Could the 25-mph signs be restored?
A. City spokeswoman Carol Costa thanks you for calling this to the city's attention. The Traffic Engineering Division of the Department of Transportation Services will issue a special service request to the Department of Facility Maintenance to replace the speed limit signs, she said.
The number for the signs and markings section is 523-4029. Or call the complaints section of the Department of Customer Services at 523-4381.
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