Posted on: Thursday, March 31, 2005

BUREAUCRACY BUSTER

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. With the recent gusty winds and the news of that Norfolk pine falling in Manoa, I'm worried about a big tree — more than 30 feet tall — across the street from my house. If it fell, it could hit my house. How can I get it checked?

A. It depends where the tree is. If the tree is overhanging from a school property, then you should contact the school where the tree is located. The school will then call the state Department of Accounting and General Services. If your tree is near a state highway, then you would call the state Department of Transportation.

If it's on a city street, call the office of the city's urban forestry expert, Stan Oka, at 971-7151 to ask that someone inspect the tree.

Oka said that if the tree is within the city easement, it's under his jurisdiction. Sometimes, Oka has to refer the call to another city department.

His office has seen an increase in the number of calls recently, he said.

Q. I'm planning a trip to Europe on a family vacation and have heard tales of pickpockets preying on tourists there. Where can I buy pepper spray or Mace to take along to help me not be a victim?

A. Honolulu police Capt. Frank Fujii said it is legal to purchase pepper spray locally and it is available at security and gun shops.

But Fujii suggests you consider other commonsense safety precautions such as carrying traveler's checks instead of cash and keeping your wallet or purse close to your body in crowds.

He said self-defense sprays may not be legal in some of the countries you may be visiting, so you need to check in advance. And anyone buying the potent sprays needs to read the instructions carefully. For instance, one should keep in mind which way the wind is blowing.

Q. I read in your newspaper about the city road crews ripping out the bricks in the downtown crosswalks at Fort Street Mall. Do you know what the city is going to do with all of those bricks? They can dump them here at my home for free.

A. City Director of Facility Maintenance Laverne Higa appreciates your offer. But she said the city isn't giving away the bricks to any of those who called or wrote in to offer their help.

Higa said the city will keep the bricks and use them to repair other brick walkways.

Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message. Be sure to give us your name and daytime telephone number in case we need more information.