Q. The bridge over the Ala Wai Canal on McCully Street has been missing some railings for several months, possibly from an auto accident. I have called the city but no action has been taken. It's dangerous. What will it take to fix it, waiting for another car or bike or child to go through the railing?

A. A temporary replacement railing was installed last week, city spokesman Bill Brennan said.

The permanent fix isn't a simple one, he said.

"In view of the uplifted bridge deck and the extensive repairs that will be needed, the city opted to install metal pipe railings between the existing stanchions rather than installing the expensive replacement railing," he said.

He said the metal pipe railing will be the same size as the existing metal pipe railing and should restore public safety.

"We decided not to replace the middle stanchion at this time because the concrete deck where the stanchion was torn off the bridge would require extensive concrete repairs before a replacement railing could be installed," Brennan said.

He said the city opted to replace the railing more permanently as part of other bridge deck repairs planned for inclusion in the city's construction budget in the next year.

Q. I have a small gas grill that uses non-refillable propane tanks. I don't think I should throw them in the trash, but the container just tells me to call the local recycler. How should I dispose of them? Can I catch the bus to drop them off?

A. City recycling coordinator Suzanne Jones said it depends on the size of the tank. "The small tanks — under 16 ounces — are OK in the trash," she said.

But for anything larger, the city asks residents to not dispose in the trash because propane tanks that get into the H-POWER garbage-to-energy plant may explode. Those can be taken to one of the City Convenience Centers, which are listed in the telephone book.

You can also take tanks to a private company called Air Liquide, with locations in Kalihi and Kapolei, but a fee may be charged.

She said the Ke'ehi Transfer Station is probably the closest location for you.

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