Christine Donnelly

Question: We have a flood insurance policy underwritten by FEMA coming up for renewal and we suspect with a large increase in premium. We have been fortunate in having no flood damage. It provides only about half the value of our home and the amount cannot be increased. The deductibles are large. It appears that FEMA pays whether there is insurance or not and those without insurance have no deductible. Is there any reason to continue buying flood insurance?

Amid a spike in renewals for Hawaii driver licenses and state IDs, Kokua Line is once again hearing from readers who say their new credential cannot be read by an electronic scanner, whether the flaw became apparent at an airport security checkpoint, while trying to load their license in Apple Wallet, or while returning an item to a store that scans IDs to process refunds. We first wrote about this problem in 2022 (808ne.ws/49m36Ig), when officials blamed it on incompatibility with Transportation Security and Administration screening technology — the TSA installed software patches as a solution — and errant barcodes on some cards. We contacted Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services for updates. Here are responses from Harold Nedd, a CSD spokesperson:

Question: Regarding the problem with barcodes on some Hawaii driver’s licenses and state IDs (https://808ne.ws/4u02H5F), this also happened to me — I can’t load my license into Apple Wallet, which responds “no barcode detected.” On April 22, you had an article (https://808ne.ws/4wX6Wlm) saying the DMV will be coming out with a redesigned license, a separate upgrade from this barcode issue. If I apply for a replacement now will I be getting the redesigned one or should I wait?

Question: Earlier this year there was a push to make all Hawaii stores accept cash. Did that go anywhere?

Question: Regarding Kona-low recovery aid, where’s information for victims who don’t speak English that well? I am trying to help a neighbor and am having trouble finding resources for him.

Question: I am writing to seek clarification regarding a recent experience my daughter had while traveling between Kauai and Honolulu for a medical appointment. During both legs of her trip, she was required to pay a $45 fee because TSA did not accept her paper driver’s license, resulting in a total charge of $90. Could you please clarify why this fee was enforced and provide guidance on the process for requesting a refund if this was a DMV- related error?

Question: When will they be done repaving Moanalua Freeway? I know it’s got to be done but doing it bit by bit prolongs the disruption.

Question: I am calling regarding a Medicare card that I received in the mail. It stated I could not use it until June 17 and I’m wondering why am I receiving a new Medicare card when I already have one.

Question: The city offers no-interest loans for lower-income Oahu residents to repair their home. Do they look at more than income to qualify? I mean other assets? Or just income and credit rating?

Question: Auwe! Why does the city need my federal and state returns for a $20 discount on my sewer bill? Too many hoops!