Q. When I take my recycling containers to the redemption center, I would rather have them hand count the cans and bottles, but sometimes they have refused to do that when I had more than 50. I remember reading that the rules might change. Can you find out what happened?

A. The rules changed just last month, according to the state Department of Health. Customers can now request a hand-count of HI-5¢ bottles and cans for up to 200 containers — or $10 worth — when they go to a redemption center.

The change — effective April 21 — was the result of suggestions from the public and an administrative rule change signed by Gov. Linda Lingle last month. Until then, the redemption centers only were required to hand-count loads of up to 50 containers and were allowed to weigh the rest.

Karl Motoyama, of the Office of Solid Waste Management, said the change is aimed at making the process as accurate as possible.

"Our goal is to make it easier for those consumers who prefer to get their refunds based on count," he said.

The redemption rate is still 5 cents per container. For more information, check www.hi5deposit.com.

Q. I read in the paper about that new barge that takes cars to the Neighbor Islands. I want to know what the shipping company does to try to prevent unwanted pests — such as coqui frogs — from taking barge transport along with the vehicles?

A. The state Agriculture Department has regulations in place to discourage coqui frogs and other pests from spreading. Young Brothers officials said the company requires that all plants and trees be inspected by and have a stamp from the state Department of Agriculture prior to the company processing for shipment to another island.

Roy Catalani, Young Brothers vice president of strategic planning and government affairs, said the company also "will not accept for shipping any vehicle or equipment with mud or dirt on any part of the vehicle or equipment." He said that is to prevent inadvertent transport of invasive species.

"Our employees take the necessary time to conduct and document a thorough inspection underneath and throughout every vehicle and equipment before accepting for shipment to another island," Catalani said. He said the policy is followed at all Young Brothers ports.

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