Q. Why do we need our Social Security number on our city and county golf cards? With identity theft a growing problem in Hawai'i and across the nation, why don't they use a random number system like the one used for driver's licenses?

A. City golf course officials said Social Security numbers were placed on the cards when they first began issuing them, but that was changed because of identity theft concerns in August 2003. Assistant golf system administrator Wayne Lee said new cards have either the driver's license number or a random nine-digit number. If you have one of the older cards, you may pay $5 for a new replacement card with the new number.

Q. You quoted a state Health Department official saying that a private business can refuse service to any customer. But shouldn't you clarify that it's against the law to refuse service for some reasons?

A. Yes, the state Health Department official was describing the ability to refuse to serve a pregnant customer alcoholic beverages. State law does prohibit private businesses from refusing to serve customers in some cases.

That law spells out unfair discriminatory practices as denying or attempting to deny services, accommodations, etc., based on race, sex, color, religion, ancestry, disability and/or sexual orientation.

Q. Could you explain whether I can take a flower lei, in the florist box, in my carry-on suitcase to the Mainland?

A. Under the new federal regulations, you can still take a flower lei on board an aircraft. Federal transportation officials say you may take most foods and even flower lei in your carry-on luggage. Restrictions still apply to liquids, aerosols and gels, which must be in 3-ounce containers or smaller and be placed in a single quart-size, zip-top clear plastic bag.

Since that rules out most of those blue ice-type gel packs, a number of travelers are substituting bags of frozen vegetables to help keep flowers and other perishables cold.

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