Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What are the rules and regulations regarding allowing a parade or motorcade on public streets? Specifically, did Street Bikers United have a police permit to go through traffic lights with their motorcade on Dec. 5 and if so, were there supposed to be police officers at those intersections to prevent accidents and control traffic? Toys for Tots motor-
cade done legallyAnswer: The city Department of Transportation Service's Street Usage section issues "special events" permits for parades and motorcades. Police attend planning meetings and help monitor traffic, but they don't issue permits.
Because 2,500 motorcyclists were estimated for the organization's Toys for Tots event last month, it was treated as a parade rather than a routine motorcade, said DTS director Cheryl Soon.
So roads were coned and closed, traffic detoured and police posted to direct traffic at key intersections, she said.
After past events, a "few complaints" were received about the noise generated by the motorcycles, Soon said. But other than your complaint and an "auwe" sent earlier by another Kokua Line reader, DTS received no complaints following last month's event to help the Toys for Tots program, she said.
In general, DTS schedules meetings with various agencies, including police, fire, parks and the state Department of Transportation, for major parades. Each event is unique, requiring different conditions and restrictions, Soon said.
Q: One Monday morning in December, Ala Moana Park was saturated with rainwater -- the dirt areas were muddy and puddles of water stood in many areas. So why are the sprinklers still running? Is the watering schedule so automated that no changes are possible? Anyone can look at the muddy conditions and realize the last thing needed is more water! When I'm expected to conserve this precious resource at home, I expect the city to conserve it in the parks I pay to maintain.
A: The park is equipped with sprinklers on automatic timers. However, workers are supposed to monitor the weather to prevent such a waterlogged situation.
"Staff has been reminded that during periods of heavy rainfall, the timers need to be shut off," said Craig Mayeda, administrator for Park Maintenance and Recreation Services.
Auwe
To the man driving a red truck on Kamehameha Highway about 3 p.m. Dec. 7. At the bottom of Kipapa Gulch, he made a left turn in front of me to get to the access road into the valley. I almost hit him and people in back almost rear-ended my truck. That was a very dangerous and idiotic thing to do. I plead with you not to do this again! -- No name
Mahalo
To Cheryl Souza at the Art Department at Kapiolani Community College, who found my credit card and was very kind in trying to find me. It certainly alleviated a lot of anxiety, especially during the holidays. I only wish everybody can have a Cheryl Souza in their life when they lose something. -- Nancy
Auwe
To the woman in the silver Honda utility vehicle who made a U-turn in a very narrow corridor behind Rosalie Woodson's dance studio in Aiea. You didn't even look and if my daughter hadn't realized what you were doing, you would have smashed right into us. Look in all directions before you back up and then do so slowly. We hope you don't get hit by someone as careless as yourself. -- B.D.
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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