What is the official policy regarding the new bike lanes in Kapiolani Park? My congratulations to the city for installing these lanes, which provide a safe avenue for bicyclists. But lately, joggers have taken over, especially on weekends. This isn't fair, as they can run anywhere but bikers are confined to the lanes. Often, they will not give way even when politely asked to move aside. Is there a law that can be enforced to keep them off this lane? Some bike lanes must
be shared with pedestriansThere are two bike paths around the park - one along Paki Avenue, which essentially is in the park, and the ones on Kalakaua Avenue.
It makes a difference which area you're talking about because the law says if there is no sidewalk area, then pedestrians not only can use the bike lane, they have the right of way, said Chris Sayers, the city bike coordinator.
That is the case along Paki. However, it sounds like you're referring to the Kalakaua Avenue lanes. If so, pedestrians really "should not be in there," Sayers said. "I've seen a couple of roller bladers myself."
But the problem is enforcement, which would be difficult at best. The better alternative, Sayers said, may be to educate people that those lanes are for bikers who cannot legally ride on the sidewalk.
But "maybe on a broader level, if we're talking about all bike ways in general, the message is to share the paths and share the roads," he said. "We want to have drivers share the road with us, so maybe we need to share bike paths with joggers and roller bladers."
I am having problems with my out-of-state mortgage company, which collects money ahead of time to pay for my homeowners and hurricane insurance for two homes. They've constantly been late or sent money to the wrong place. This last time, my hurricane insurance lapsed! I've ended up having to constantly make the payments myself. How can I get authority to pay for my own insurance directly? I'm told by the company that it has to be them. What options you have may depend on who the lender is and what the provisions are in your mortgage, which is a contract, said Lynne Himeda, deputy commissioner of the state's Division of Financial Institutions.
She knows of no state law that would kick in here but said there is a federal law for certain kinds of loans that may apply. It says if a borrower is required to make payments to an escrow account, the servicer is required to make disbursements in a timely manner. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act applies to "federally related mortgage loans."
Also, depending on the state the company is in, there may be a regulator overseeing that company, in which case you could file a complaint with that agency, Himeda said. Depending on the laws of that state, the company may be obligated to pay your insurance on time.
As a starting point, Himeda said to call her division, 586-2820, to get the address of the banking regulator of the state in question.
To the driver of a blue Dodge Ram truck. On Aug. 1 at 4:15 p.m., I was crossing Bishop Street when he made a very fast left turn from Bishop onto Beretania and came within an inch of hitting me. He then just drove off. Auwe
To the driver of a white car who hit my 5-month-old Sharpei puppy about 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in the 2900 block of Oahu Avenue and did not stop. It was my birthday and it happened as I was getting into the car. I would like him to call me, 383-3515. - Rachel Auwe
To any nonprofit agency: free 3-foot-by-3-foot steel/cement safe; 1,000 pounds-plus. Call Metropolis Studios West, 524-3130. Free safe
