Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Malls can erect non-red stop signs

Question: I saw a blue stop sign for the first time, as you exit the large parking lot in Waiau, which has Zippy's, Genki Sushi, etc., on Kamehameha Highway. Isn't that strange?

Answer: Actually, it's not strange at all.

There also are blue stop signs at Windward Mall and CompUSA on Ala Moana Boulevard, while the stop signs are green at Ward Warehouse and other Victoria Ward properties in Kakaako.

Some shopping centers, such as Ala Moana, use red stop signs, much like the official ones used by the state and city.

The state Traffic Code, specifically Section 291C-36 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, regarding "Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings," says it is illegal to "place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any highway" any unauthorized sign "which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic-control device ... or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic. ..."

It would appear that private property owners have to use non-red stop signs.

However, according to an official with the city Department of Transportation Services, there is nothing to prevent such signs from being red as long as they do not "interfere with an official traffic-control device." The city has decided they don't.

The official also pointed to Section 291C-94 of the Traffic Code, which says that the driver of a vehicle emerging from a driveway shall stop prior to driving unto the road, and no sign is required.

"Other than driveways which are signalized, it appears that the shopping centers and malls install stop signs to supplement the provisions of the statewide Traffic Code," he said. "As long as the signs are on private property and (do) not interfere with an official traffic-control device, it is permitted."

It also was pointed out that while all signs on public streets and highways are regulated either by Transportation Services or the state Department of Transportation, signs on private property are not regulated by any specific agency.

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Q: I am on the national Do Not Call Registry, but one of the U.S. Senate candidates or his campaign committee calls me with a recording soliciting my vote. I am in his party but I haven't made up my mind who I am going to vote for. It is irritating to get those calls. Are politicians exempt?

A: Political organizations are exempt.

The main purpose of the registry to cut down on unwanted telemarketing calls.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, which oversees the registry, "You may still receive calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors or companies with which you have an existing business relationship."

However, if you specifically ask any organization that you do not want to be called, it is required to honor your request.

For more information, check https://www.donotcall.gov/FAQFAQConsumers.aspx#tell.