By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q: If a single-family-zoned house has an 'ohana unit added, can it be converted into a two-family pair of rental units?

A. It depends on when the building permit for your 'ohana dwelling was approved, according to the Department of Planning and Permitting. The current Section 21-8.20 of city ordinances states that an 'ohana dwelling can only be occupied by someone who is related "by blood, marriage or adoption" to those living in the principal dwelling.

However, homes that received a building permit before Sept. 10, 1992 are exempted. In other words, if your home was built before that date, you may rent either or both 'ohana units to whomever you choose. Department of Planning and Permitting staff state that the exemption applies even if you were not the original owner.

Incidentally, detached 'ohana units were allowed before Sept. 10, 1992 but now have to be attached to the principal dwelling. Other questions on 'ohana dwelling laws can be directed to the Department of Planning and Permitting at 523-4432.

Q: What department inspects Wilson Tunnel for safety purposes and how often is it done? I ask because I want to know how much rainwater the ground above the tunnel can hold without causing damage to the tunnel itself.

A: The state Department of Transportation operates the Wilson Tunnel and conducts periodic inspections, DOT spokesman Scott Ishikawa said. The agency is conducting a renovation project at the tunnel that is slated to run through September. A consultant performed a structural inspection of the tunnel and determined that it is structurally sound, Ishikawa said.

"There are visible cracks in the concrete, but they do not compromise the structural integrity of the tunnel, the inspection showed," he said. "There were also no signs of chunks of concrete falling off the tunnel, contrary to claims that concrete fell off the tunnel and hit people's cars."

Ishikawa said the tests showed no build-up of water behind the concrete. Nonetheless, DOT is planning to install a plastic liner along the tunnel walls before adding ceramic tiles similar to those inside the H-3 tunnel, Ishikawa said. He added that this will allow water seeping from the mountain into the tunnel area to flow down the sides of the tunnel walls to the drainage system.

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.