Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Saturday, October 25, 1997

Out-of-state vehicles
need inspection, permit

What are the requirements for operating out-of-state registered vehicles in Hawaii? Do you need a safety inspection and vehicle permit? I see vehicles with out-of-state license plates without a vehicle permit and safety inspection sticker operating on the highways all the time.

All out-of-state vehicles must obtain a safety inspection immediately upon arrival. There is no grace period, said David Mau, the city's assistant licensing administrator.

Within 10 days, the owner must obtain an out-of-state vehicle permit, which is obtained by submitting an out-of-state car registration plus the Hawaii safety inspection form and the shipping bill of lading, Mau said.

That permit will then be good for the life of the out-of-state registration or for one year, whichever comes first.

The condition of the once-gleaming, fairly new basins in the women's restrooms at Ala Moana Park, Ewa end, has deteriorated. The maintenance person keeps the bathroom very clean, but I don't think he has the proper tools to clean the basins. The stains make the basins look 10 years old. Doesn't the Parks Department have a vendor that can provide proper cleaning materials, such as a good cleanser?

It appears city parks officials don't think your complaint holds water, so to speak.

The response to your observations was that the district manager had received "at least three letters complimenting the cleanliness of these restrooms."

Also, "The groundskeeper is adequately equipped with proper supplies and tools to do his work," said spokeswoman Patti Nagao. She said a liquid called "Creme Cleanser" is used daily to clean the basins, while a pumice stone is used to remove stains.

If you want to follow up, call the department at 527-6343.

Auwe

To Kapiolani Community College for installing all those speed bumps (more than 40). You should have used the money to repair all those burnt-out lights instead. It's so dark and dangerous at night.

(Thirty-eight speed bumps were installed, at a cost of $9,313, because of problems with cars speeding on campus, said Ann Oshiro, KCC's director of administrative services. A few speed bumps installed in the past had deteriorated, she said.

The bumps were not installed at the expense of lights. "All burnt-out exterior campus lights were replaced in April" for about $21,000, Oshiro said. She said the administration was well aware of the numerous burnt-out lights but couldn't do much because of budget cuts. When funds did become available, she said, all exterior lights were checked as a priority project.)

Prison uniform update

The mother of a Halawa Prison inmate who complained about the lack of uniforms and linen for inmates called Kokua Line to say she had arranged for donations. But prison spokesman Ted Sakai said that's no longer necessary. The prison has since gotten access to federal surplus garments, as well as donations from a local linen company.

Auwe

To people who threw water balloons into the water at a Keehi Lagoon fishing tournament on Oct. 4. It's incongruous that you would go out fishing, yet will litter the ocean with plastic. Get with it, you guys! -- K.O.

Mahalo

To Dan, a city bus driver. I ride the No. 39 bus daily, and almost all the drivers are terrific. But it's especially a pleasure to ride his bus because it's obvious he loves his job. -- George