Kokua Line June Watanabe

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HPD does not enforce private stop signs

Question: Can I get a traffic citation for not stopping at stop signs in a shopping center? These signs are usually blue in color; sometimes they can be red. Are the laws that govern the operation of a vehicle on our city and state streets enforceable in a privately owned shopping mall or lot?

Answer: According to the Honolulu Police Department, officers have no authority to cite people for not obeying nongovernment traffic signs on private property.

They may cite someone who violates the state law by parking in a space set aside for persons with disabilities.

Also, Section 291C-94 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes says that the driver of a vehicle emerging from any driveway, public or private, is required to stop prior to driving onto the road, and no sign is required.

HPD spokesman Capt. Frank Fujii noted that in that situation, motorists are required to stop twice: before a sidewalk, if there is one, and again before entering the roadway.

Meanwhile, we checked with General Growth Properties about its signs at Ala Moana Center and other properties.

"These signs are for the traffic safety of customers, and it is our hope that as customers and, more importantly, law-abiding citizens," everyone realizes "adherence to traffic signage is for everyone's own good," said Dwight Yoshimura, senior vice president for General Growth Properties.

He pointed out that the consequences could be far worse than a citation if someone gets hurt because a driver ignored and ran a stop sign.

Q: Street lights along the makai side of Farrington Highway in Maili have not been working for two weeks. The lights are out from near St. John's Road to as far as I can see in the Waianae direction. Any idea what the problem is? It is uncomfortable waiting in the dark, at 4:30 a.m., for a bus.

A: The lights were repaired late Monday evening by the state Department of Transportation.

The maintenance crew had to replace the photocell sensor, which triggers the street light during darkness, said transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa.

"The street lights went back on, but we'll do a periodic check to make sure they are functioning properly," he said.

Call the Highways Division Hotline at 831-6714 to report problems.

Auwe

To the elderly male driver flossing his teeth while waiting to fill the gas tank of his van at the Iwilei Costco after 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13. I was appalled to see him contaminate the gas pump's trigger for the numerous unsuspecting people following him. Unfortunately, I was able to bring this to the attention of the Costco employee only after he had driven away. The attendant told me he would wipe it later. Flossing one's teeth in public without washing hands afterward totally disregards the safety and sanitation of others. After witnessing this, I will be using a hand sanitizer or wipe more often. -- Disgusted