BUREAUCRACY BUSTER
Can't stop barbecue smoke

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. I live near a shopping center on Beretania Street that frequently has Huli-Huli chicken sales in the parking lot. The smoke comes in through my windows and sometimes is so thick, I can hardly see across the room.

I can't imagine this is good to inhale all day. Since it's too hot to keep the windows closed, I feel like I'm being driven out of my home.

A. Unfortunately, there appears to be no government agency that can help you directly.

State Department of Health spokeswoman Darcie Yukimura relayed this response from the Hazardous Evaluation and Emergency Response Office: "Smoke inhalation is always a health risk. Those most at risk are those with asthma and pre-existing respiratory tract conditions. If you are in an area where you smell smoke, it's best if you try to go upwind. If smoke is getting into your house or area, take necessary precautions such as relocating until smoke dissipates or closing windows."

People cannot rely on an air conditioner to protect them from exposure to outside smoke because the pores in the filters are usually too large to stop smoke, she said.

Q. Is there any way to slow speeding traffic down on Keneke Street between 'Ano'i Road and Ko Street? It is a 25 mph zone with speed limit signs, but many often seriously exceed that speed. People use this street as a shortcut to get from Kahekili Highway to Likelike Highway and vice versa.

A. The city is planning to slow things down on Keneke Street.

Cheryl Soon, director of the Department of Transportation Services, said traffic calming measures will be installed on Keneke at Kulukeoe Street and Hulinu'u Place. The city did not identify what devices will be used, but said they will slow traffic and increase safety in the area.

In the meantime, you can call the Police Department to see if they can take any action.

Q. Did the city approve the fluorescent green color for the "walk" sign at the new crosswalk signals? They are really an eyesore.

A. Yes, the city did approve the color. In fact, the fluorescent yellow-green is a nationally approved standard for enhancing pedestrian safety. "The brilliant visibility of the signs increases the motorists' awareness of potential pedestrian traffic in an area," said Vicki Borges, special assistant to the mayor.

If you have a government-related question and need help getting to the right person, you can direct your question to The Bureaucracy Buster three ways.

• Write to:

The Bureaucracy Buster,
The Honolulu Advertiser,
605 Kapi'olani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813.

• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message, including your name and daytime telephone number.