Question: Does the Women’s Community Correctional Center accept donations of fabric? How do I go about getting it to them? Also, I have a lot of VHS movie tapes. Besides the thrift shops, is there any organization that accepts this? …
Answer: Yes, the women’s prison in Kailua does generally welcome those types of donations, but you’ll need to contact the facility directly to confirm your specific items and to arrange drop-off if they are accepted, said Toni Schwartz, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Safety.
“Although there are some restrictions on the types of donations that can be offered, we do accept fabric, sewing items, as well as VHS tapes as donations at the WCCC. Anyone who wants to inquire about making donations” should call the prison at 266-9580 and ask to be connected to offender services, said Schwartz.
Q: Could you please clarify a wire story that was in the paper March 23 (“News Q&A,” page 9)? The second question was about passports but the answer does not really answer the question asked. My question is, if you got a new passport before Nov. 1, 2016, do you need to reapply for a another one if you had glasses on in the photo for the one you have? … I never heard of this new rule and think a lot of people may not have either. Thank you for clearing it up.
A: No, you don’t need to get a new passport or provide a new photo if your unexpired U.S. passport carries a photo of you wearing glasses. Your passport remains valid and you can continue to use it as usual, according to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which issues U.S. passports.
The new rule, which, as you noted, took effect Nov. 1, means that customers applying for or renewing passports as of that date must remove their glasses for their passport photos. That’s what you’ll be required to do the next time you renew your passport, but not before then.
Customers who can’t remove their glasses for the passport photo for medical reasons must verify that with a doctor’s note at the time of application.
The bureau explains the reasons for the new rule at 808ne.ws/passportrule, stating that glasses are a big reason for poor-quality passport photos that stall applications and delay travelers.
Q: Can rat lungworm disease be passed from person to person?
A: No, “it’s not contagious,” said Robert H. Cowie, a research professor at the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s Pacific Biosciences Research Center.
According to the state Department of Health, the disease is caused by a roundworm parasite “that can be passed from the feces of infected rodents to snails, slugs and certain other animals, which become intermediate hosts for the parasites. Humans can become infected when they consume, either intentionally or otherwise, infected raw or undercooked intermediate hosts.”
Auwe
Auwe to irresponsible vehicle owners who abandon old cars and trucks they don’t want anymore, rather than taking the time (and paying the money) to junk them. This island is overflowing with blight from vehicles and parts. Too many people look to the government to clean up their mess. Take care of your own stuff and don’t leave it for others to deal with later. — Fed up
Mahalo
Mahalo to the honest customer of Sam’s Club who turned in my wallet to customer service on the morning of April 6. You have saved me a lot of headache and grief and I will be forever grateful to you. I thank the Lord for honest people like you in this world. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his heart forever. — Grateful senior from Pearl City
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.
