Latest news with #NadineAndo
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: Must I show ID to enter state Capitol?
Question : Regarding the consumer protection fair at the Capitol, can we just walk in there now ? Answer : Hawaii's Capitol is open to the public, but you'll have to pass through security to enter the building, which includes showing a valid photo ID. The large white fence around most of the building at 415 S. Beretania St. is construction fencing for the reflecting-pool project, not strictly for security. Public parking is limited. The Consumer Protection Fair scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. Thursday on the fourth floor of the Capitol will be hosted by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs as part of National Consumer Protection Week, which started Monday. The free, annual event aims to educate consumers about their rights and provide tips to avoid fraud and scams. As DCCA Director Nadine Ando said in a news release announcing the fair, 'consumer awareness is the first line of defense against fraud and exploitation.' The following organizations will participate in the event :—Better Business Bureau—Blood Bank of Hawaii Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.—Elderly Affairs Division—City and County of Honolulu—Tax Relief Section—City and County of Honolulu—Real Property Assessment Division—City and County of Honolulu—Executive Office on Aging—Senior Medicare Patrol—Hawaii Credit Union League—Hawaii Emergency Management Agency—Hawai 'i Family Caregiver Coalition—Hawaii HomeOwnership Center—Hawaii Pacific University—Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Hawai 'i SHIP )—Hawaiian Community Assets—Hawaiian Electric Co.—HMSA—Honolulu Fire Department—City and County of Honolulu—IRS—Taxpayer Advocate Service—Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program—State of Hawaii—Neighborhood Commission Office—911 Board—State of Hawaii—Department of Taxation—State of Hawaii—Public Utilities Commission—State of Hawaii—Mediation Center of the Pacific—U.S. Attorney's Office—District of Hawaii—And the following components of the state DCCA : • Business Action Center • Investor Education Program • Consumer Education Program • Division of Financial Institutions • Insurance Division • Office of Consumer Protection • Personnel Office • Public Utilities Commission • Real Estate Branch • Regulated Industries Complaints Office—Consumer Resource Center Scammers follow current events and are trying to capitalize on the upheaval and cutbacks in the federal government, including in U.S. agencies that directly serve or engage with American consumers. In recent weeks we've heard about scammers impersonating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Postal Service, among others. Be wary of any unsolicited contact, and confirm directly with the agency that is purportedly trying to reach you. Q : Regarding the speed cameras, how does that work exactly ? Is there a 10 mph grace ? A : No, the threshold for a ticket after the warning period ends April 29 will be 5 miles over the posted speed limit, according to the state Department of Transportation. As for how the speed-enforcement cameras at 10 Honolulu intersections work, the DOT posted the following explanation on its website : 'The cameras are equipped with radar that monitors vehicle speeds as traffic approaches and passes the camera. When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit threshold, a photograph is taken of it. A second photograph is taken as the vehicle passes the detection zone to record its license plate. The date, time, speed, and location of the infraction are recorded on the digital image. A 12-second video is also captured. Law enforcement will review each incident before issuing a citation. The citation will contain vehicle images, a close-up of the license plate and a link to watch the video.' The system began generating warnings Saturday.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hawaii residents: Follow these storm preparedness tips
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiian Islands face a triple threat of heavy rain, thunderstorms and snow as a 'potent' low-pressure system makes its way through. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Heavy weather conditions are expected from late Wednesday through early Friday with all islands on flash flood watch. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Hawaiian Humane Society urged residents and businesses to prioritize emergency preparedness and offered key tips. Heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms starting late Wednesday 'Taking steps to prepare now can make all the difference in the aftermath of a disaster. Whether it's preparing your property, understanding your insurance, or protecting yourself from fraud, DCCA is here to help our community stay safe and recover quickly,' said DCCA Director Nadine Ando. Create an emergency plan with clear evacuation routes. All family members and employees should familiarize themselves with the plan and practice regularly. Ensure all doors and windows are reinforced, checking for potential vulnerabilities. Keep water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash and other essentials on hand in an emergency kit. Sign up for important service disruptions, outages and updates during emergencies with your utility provider (HECO, KIUC). Invest in backup power sources to maintain operation during outages. Residents should also learn how to shut off utilities in case of a leak or other emergencies. Homes and businesses should review their insurance policies to ensure they include common disaster-related risks. If you need assistance in understanding the claims process or have other insurance questions, visit the DCCA Insurance Division's website. Homeowners should also take inventory of their property including important documents, photos and more to file an insurance claim, if needed. Scammers see disasters as an opportunity to prey on vulnerable customers. DCCA said to be on the lookout for fake contractors, charity fraud and phishing emails or texts offering government assistance. All suspicious activities can be reported to the DCCA's Regulated Industries Complaints Office. Homeowners can look to FEMA and other government agencies for help with home repairs, temporary housing and disaster-related assistance. For business owners looking for support, contact the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans to bounce back from physical damage and economic losses. Pet owners should also have a plan for their furry friends. The Hawaiian Humane Society urges owners to create emergency preparedness kits that include a 14-day food and water supply. Owners should also prepare a crate or carrier, leash and collar with your contact information, bedding, towels, toys and medications. All emergency shelters on Oahu are pet-friendly. Pet Parents are urged to take their pets with them and not to leave them behind during emergencies. Check out more news from around Hawaii For more information, visit the DCCA and Hawaiian Humane Society's websites. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
