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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Legitimate user of library owns masked automobile
Question: The Aina Haina Public Library has four public parking spaces, one of which is for handicapped parking. I've seen a car parked three or four times during library hours in one of the three spaces, completely covered by heavy canvas, as if it would be parked there for a while. I can't believe it's someone just going in to get a book. If it's an employee, why are they taking up a public parking space? If it's neither a patron nor employee, why doesn't the library have the car towed away?
Answer: The owner of the car in question is a "legitimate library customer," according to Paul Mark, spokesman for the Hawaii State Public Library System.
He said the Aina Haina library manager identified the owner as someone who regularly uses the library to study, usually for several hours at a time.
"It is this customer's decision and practice to put a cover on her car while she uses the library," Mark said. "The library's designated parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis."
He also said that the library staff does not park in those front stalls.
Q: Regarding the July 30 "Kokua Line" about taxicab dome lights: How about a red dome light when a cab is occupied and a white dome light when available? This way, the dome light will always be on.
A: As much as possible, the city seeks to standardize the size, shape and color of dome lights, said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city's Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.
For now that means one color, which would help "to ensure that the public can distinguish a taxicab from a Pizza Hut delivery vehicle."
The cost of a dome light is normally borne by the taxi operator, Kamimura said.
Q: I've heard that it is illegal for a taxi to pick up a person hailing a taxi in Hawaii. Is this true? If so, it wouldn't matter if the dome light is on or off.
A: There is nothing in the city's taxicab ordinance or rules that would prohibit someone from hailing a cab. There used to be a law prohibiting cabbies from cruising for fare, but that prohibition was deleted from the books "a long time ago," Kamimura said.
Auwe
To those soliciting funds at intersections. I've noticed a marked increase in groups doing this kind of fundraising. Historically, I only recall firefighters ("Fill the Boot" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association) and Hawaii Foodbank doing this type of solicitation. As a parent, I understand the importance of raising funds for sports and extracurricular activities, but busy intersections don't seem like the place to do it. It's one thing for adults to be that close to traffic, but children definitely shouldn't be out there. -- Mike K.
Auwe
To the developer of the self-storage facility on Kuala Street, behind the bus barn. It's so tall that it blocks out the whole sun and the Waianae Mountains. People should go take a look at that. -- James
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