Kokua Line June Watanabe

---

City still seeks new Pearl City license facility

Question: Has the Pearl City driver's license facility, previously at the Pearl City Police Station, been relocated, and, if so, where? If not, I assume I must go to the Dillingham Boulevard location to renew my license. To avoid a long wait, can you tell me when the least crowded times are? Also, I have a condition that requires receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. I do not believe this detrimentally affects my ability to drive, but I want to find out if there are any restrictions in cases such as this.

Answer: The city is continuing to search for a new location for the driver licensing facility, but with no luck so far, said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.

Despite checking out numerous sites in the Pearl City-Waipahu area since the facility closed earlier this year, the city has not been able to find a suitable alternative.

"The new location must have adequate public parking, have safe ingress and egress for our road test applicants, and reasonable rental cost," Kamimura said.

He said there are currently no long lines at driver licensing stations.

However, lines do form during peak hours, which are lunch periods between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., any day before or after a holiday, or workdays when schools are out, he said.

You also may renew your license at satellite city halls at Fort Street Mall, Windward Mall, Pearlridge Center and in Hawaii Kai. The Windward Mall, Pearlridge Center and Hawaii Kai offices are open on Saturdays.

Meanwhile, all driver's license applicants are required to answer specific medical questions regarding their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, Kamimura said, so your doctor might be asked to fill out a form on your condition.

"It is possible that an applicant's physician may be required to complete a medical evaluation form that is reviewed by the State Medical Advisory Board before proceeding with the renewal," Kamimura said.

He recommends all applicants renew their licenses early, in the event a medical evaluation form is required. A driver's license may be renewed six months prior to expiration.

Mahalo

To a special police officer -- Shermon Dowkin -- for protecting my life by changing my tire at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, on Likelike Highway -- the worst time and in a dangerous area. I was trying to call my emergency number and had a lot of trouble giving directions -- they didn't understand what Likelike Highway was. I kept telling them town-bound to Honolulu, but they insisted that I give more details. I had to call again, and while on the phone for the second time, Officer Dowkin showed up. He was concerned about where I was stopped, so he went ahead and changed the tire himself. The Honolulu Police Department should be honored to have such an officer like you, Officer Dowkin, and I would again like to thank you so much for helping me at such a critical time. God bless you. -- Diane M. Ortiz