Question: There is roadwork being done in our neighborhood (Keolu Hills). Over the past few months we were advised by HECO of scheduled power disruptions. Each time we were without power, it was for a block of four to six hours. As the work is ongoing, I am wondering if there are future power outages scheduled. It concerns me because we have a wedding planned at our home soon and would hate to learn of a scheduled power outage at that time. Any information you can obtain and share will be greatly appreciated.
Answer: You’ll be happy to know that Hawaiian Electric Co. doesn’t have any work scheduled on your Windward Oahu street the day of the wedding, a fact we were able to confirm because you provided the street name and celebration date (but wanted neither detail published).
As you noted, HECO generally alerts affected customers by mail, and it also offers phone and online options for those with additional questions. Peter Rosegg, a HECO spokesman, explains:
“When Hawaiian Electric needs to schedule outages for repairs or upgrades, we send letters to affected customers at least several days in advance of the planned work. The letter includes a phone number to call for more information. If customers have questions about a project or work in their neighborhood though they have not received a letter, we encourage them to call 548-7311 or email through the Customer Service page at hawaiianelectric.com.
“We do not post or otherwise issue public announcements about scheduled outages as a matter of security, as to do so could alert intruders to an area where security alarm systems are not working. (We do publicize work that may affect road traffic but the media does not always report it.)
“You may let your reader know that no work is planned on that street at the time of the upcoming wedding.
“Ongoing work in Keolu Hills is to replace aging underground cables and improve long-term reliability of electrical service to residents. We thank everyone in this neighborhood for their understanding.”
Q: I tried to contact the city, but when I went on the website and clicked “email us,” it bounced me to another page with more instructions. I just want the email address. What is it?
A: You may email the Customer Services department at CSD@honolulu.gov or complaints@honolulu.gov. You also may report a concern by calling 768-4381, filing a report online at 808ne.ws/cityconcern or mailing a letter to CSD, Attn: Director, Mission Memorial Building, 550 S. King St., Honolulu 96813.
This department is the city’s main conduit for questions, complaints and compliments from the general public. Staffers may answer queries directly or refer concerns to other departments and agencies.
Answers to many frequently asked questions can be found on the department’s webpage (808ne.ws/csdhome), which also provides links to online forms for reporting common concerns such as abandoned vehicles, potholes, malfunctioning civil defense sirens and other problems. Click on “Report a Concern” on the left side of the page to reveal this function.
The department’s home page also has links to other city and state departments commonly sought out by the public, highlighting, for just a few examples, how to pay real property taxes online, search court records and obtain a marriage license.
In short, this department is the “go-to” for general information about city services, and some state ones, too.
Mahalo
I would like to thank a special person who found my envelope with two checks totaling close to $11,000 to be paid to the city and county for our property taxes. On July 26 it must have dropped out of my handbag while I was rushing to attend a funeral service in Chinatown. That nice, honest person who found it deposited the checks to First Hawaiian Bank, which in turn directed them to the city and county treasury account. I would also like to thank Lisa Tomihama from First Hawaiian Bank and Chad Bilonta of Bank of Hawaii in Manoa, who took the time to trace the checks. Both were extremely helpful. They all saved me a lot of grief and sleepless nights. Mahalo to all these wonderful people. — S.N.
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.