By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. My neighbor's dog often "pollutes" the sidewalk by my house. Isn't there any law that requires dog owners to clean up after their pets?

A. Yes! The city ordinance that forbids littering also applies to dog waste. Violators can be fined from $25 to $500, and can be required to pick up litter or perform another community service for four to eight hours for each violation.

The applicable part of the anti-litter ordinance (Sec. 29-4.4) says: "No person shall permit an animal owned by such person or while in the person's custody to excrete any solid waste in any public place or on any private premises not the property of such owner; provided, however, that nothing herein shall affect the duty of the property owner or occupier to keep the premises free of litter and provided further that no violation shall occur if the owner of the offending animal promptly and voluntarily removes the animal waste."

Bottom line: If your dog makes a mess, you clean it up. The Honolulu Police Department is responsible for enforcing the ordinance.

Q. A play structure was installed several months ago in Ka'aha Street Mini Park, but it's been surrounded by a plastic fence since then. Kids play on it anyway. Why is the fence there and when is it coming down?

A. The fence was just taken down. It was there to protect new grass, according to city spokeswoman Carol Costa.

Q. A signal light at the corner of Pahoa and Sixth avenues was installed three months ago but has not been activated. Why?

A. The light should be turned on soon, the city says. The concrete strike kept the contractor from immediately finishing work at the intersection, including a new wheelchair ramp and signs.

Q. Aren't there any laws or rules against feeding wild cats in city parks.?

A. Yes, if a sign is posted. A city ordinance (Sec. 10-1.2) says: "Within the limits of any public park, it is unlawful for any person to feed any animal or bird when signs are posted prohibiting such feeding." Violators can be fined from $25 to $500.

Q. I bought a car that is missing the front license plate. How do I get one?

A. The registered owner should present the certificate of registration and the safety inspection form to the nearest satellite city hall, fill out an application for a set of replacement plates and pay a $5.50 fee. The applicant will receive two new plates, a new certificate of registration, and a stick-on emblem for the rear license plate showing when the registration will expire.

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.