Posted on: Thursday, September 9, 2004

BUREAUCRACY BUSTER

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. For the past couple of years, we have seen a man who walks his dogs daily allow the dogs to poop on the sidewalk and then just leave the mess. We called the Hawaiian Humane Society and were told to call the police. An officer told us that since he did not witness what happened, all he can do is to talk to this man. What can we do?

A. Hawaiian Humane Society spokeswoman Jacque Smith said the society does not enforce litter laws, but does promote picking up after your pet as part of responsible pet ownership. She said the society hands out plastic reminder bags in a "poop patrol packet" with tips on being a good owner. "Poop is a serious problem, and everyone needs to be a part of the solution," Smith said. "It's always been one of our most important education messages that we share with the community."

Q. The canal behind our apartment building at 1330 Wilder Ave. has been known to overflow, so we try to keep people from dumping things in it like mattresses, dressers, etc. But the city bulky item pickup point is at the top of our driveway, and often items placed there get dumped into the canal. For two years residents have called state and city officials about a possible solution: putting up a fence similar to the one on the mauka side of the canal. We don't even know if it's the city and county or state that can help.

A. The state-owned Makiki Ditch has been a source of complaints, said Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

"We have responded to complaints about bulky items dumped in it twice in the past six months alone," she said.

After you raised the idea, she said the state would consider further the idea of fencing that part of ditch.

Q. Every weekday from late morning until early afternoon, a FedEx truck parks along the red-curbed tow-away zone next to the fire hydrant in front of 700 Bishop St. just mauka of Nimitz Highway. As a result, cars attempting to turn right from Bishop onto Nimitz are blocked, creating a logjam. Does the Honolulu Police Department turn a blind eye to this truck's violations of the traffic laws?

A. Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said a FedEx van was cited Aug. 16 for parking in a tow zone, and the driver and FedEx management were notified. She said officers will continue to monitor the area.

Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message with your name and daytime phone in case we need more information.