Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, February 17, 1998

Double-parking creates
safety woes near school

I drive down Kilauea Avenue past Kahala Elementary School every morning and afternoon, and see cars double-parked while parents wait for their children to get in and out of their cars. Wouldn't parking along the side streets off Pahoa Avenue, where crossing is monitored by JPOs, be more feasible?

The present situation is putting the lives of children at risk and causing a traffic hazard. I realize this is a school zone and a well-traveled thoroughfare with reduced speed limits, but not everyone obeys them. Your quick attention in this matter could save a life.

This is a problem that Kahala Elementary School is well aware of, said principal Judy Furuya.

Every year, "we plead with parents" not to double park on Kilauea, she said. The message is sent via newsletters and in new-parent orientation meetings, she said. It will be re-emphasized in future newsletters.

Parents are advised to wait their turn before dropping off or picking up their children, or to use other drop-off points nearby, she said. They are given a map of the area where parking is available or where pickup/drop-off is allowed.

Much of the problem would be resolved if parents were just willing to let their children walk a short distance or to walk with them, Furuya said.

Some parents insist on going to one gate area only, which often causes a backup, she said. In the meantime, "in front of the flagpole area, it's all open."

It's gotten so bad that "the community has called police," Furuya acknowledged.

She reminds parents that "safety is our first issue."

In the meantime, she said she doesn't have the staff to monitor all the different sites but would welcome any volunteers willing to help. Call her at 733-8455.

Mr. H has lived on 16th Avenue for more than 20 years, next to a lane allowing access to residents along the lane. Recently, six neighbors hand-delivered a petition warning him not to park on the "private lane" because it creates an eyesore and safety hazard.

Is this legal? There are no signs posted by the city restricting anyone from parking in the lane. His mailbox is located on the lane and not on 16th Avenue. The fire hydrant is on 16th Avenue, as is his driveway, but does this restrict his rights to use the lane?

Yes, because you're talking about a private roadway, not a public one.

According to city records, the lane belongs to the developer of the subdivision and was meant to be a private driveway for five properties along it, not including Mr. H's.

A city official compared the situation to an unauthorized outsider parking in a private driveway.

In their petition, the neighbors warned Mr. H that his cars may be towed. If the cars are on private property, the owners have a right to tow, a police spokeswoman said. For your information, the road is parcel 26 of tax map key 3-3-14, according to city records.

Kaneohe parade update

Regarding the complaint about the disruption caused by the December Kaneohe Christmas parade: The Kaneohe Business Group, the parade's sponsor, publicized the event as much as possible and police allowed traffic to go through whenever possible, said KBG president Linda Butts. Many area residents know the annual parade takes place the first Saturday in December and have learned to make accommodations, she said.

Despite the inconvenience, the number of people lining the route, as well as businesses that contribute financially, shows continuing community support, Butts said. The parade has been going on for some 20 years.

She extends an offer to you and others with concerns to help plan and organize this year's parade. Call her at 239-5517.