Q. Can someone still smoke while sitting next to me at a bus stop?

A. The company that runs the city bus said the answer depends on what type of bus stop. Oahu Transit Services president and general manager Roger Morton said the new law does not allow smoking in the enclosure bus stops with a roof and three walls. But it does allow it at open-air bus stops or those with only a roof.

Morton said even at those bus stops, signs now say: "As a courtesy to children and non-smokers, please do not smoke within waiting area." The statewide law that bans smoking in many public places took effect on Nov. 16.

Q. I was at a sports bar in 'Aiea this month and people were still smoking there. Isn't that illegal?

A. Yes. The state Health Department suggests you point out the new law to the business. Businesses that fail to comply may be fined up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year and up to $500 each for additional violations within the year.

Smoking is now prohibited in enclosed or partially enclosed facilities owned by government and/or open to the public, which includes bars, restaurants, sports arenas, most places of employment, Hawai'i airports and within 20 feet of doorways.

Q. Why did it take so long to move those two blue-and-white buses that were parked in a towaway zone on Date Street across from Kaimuki High School's baseball field for weeks?

A. City motor vehicle license administrator Dennis Kamimura got some action on the problem after two readers called to report the buses as a traffic and safety hazard in the tow zone on the busy street.

Kamimura said one of the problems was that they were too heavy to be towed by some trucks. But a company that works with the city agreed to take them both away. He said Honolulu police checked ownership records for the buses, which had recently been transferred to a new owner.

Kamimura saw there were numerous tickets on the buses. Kamimura said derelict vehicles usually are destroyed, with usable parts sent to recyclers.