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Kokua Line
Question: I will be relocating my family to Honolulu in June and in the process I will be shipping two cars there. Whom do I contact regarding the registration of my vehicles in Honolulu? Is there a grace period for driving vehicles in Honolulu with out-of-state plates? Is it possible to pre-register the vehicles prior to their arrival? I've already registered my cars here in California for this year. Since I will be driving them in Honolulu for less than a year, will the registration fees be prorated from the time they arrive there? Best to insure
vehicle before
moving hereAnswer: You cannot register your vehicles in advance, but you can, in advance, get a "Hawaii liability insurance card from an insurance company that does business in Hawaii," said Dennis Kamimura, head of the city Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.
Once in Hawaii, and with that insurance card, you can then get the required safety check and register your vehicles at any satellite city hall within 30 days, he said.
However, the city will recognize the California registration. But first, you must obtain an out-of-state vehicle permit, Kamimura said. With that permit, the law allows you to drive the car until expiration of the registration or for one year, whichever comes first, he said.
To obtain an out-of-state vehicle permit, you need to have the vehicle title and registration certificates, the bill of lading showing the date the vehicle arrived in Hawaii and the safety check. Again, go to any satellite city hall.
"The best thing for (you) to do is to obtain Hawaii registration and license plate ($5.50 each)" up to your California expiration month, Kamimura said. That way, the city will still honor your California registration, but when the registration expires, you'll get a renewal card in the mail and won't have to go in person again to register, he said.
Q: Why does a police officer using an HPD car get to use it to go to the 24-Hour Fitness Center in Mililani? Isn't he using a city car for personal use?
A: Yes, he is, but with official authorization.
The officer is involved in the Honolulu Police Department's "Take Home Car Program," a police spokeswoman said. As explained previously, those officers are allowed to drive the vehicles for personal use but are available in emergencies.
Tax-mailing update
The IRS "is consulting with our tax-production and delivery partners" to see why 25,000 tax packages to Hawaii were delayed this year, IRS spokeswoman Shawn George told Kokua Line.Most of the packages arrived Jan. 10, but another 25,000 "did not get released for mail delivery until Feb. 9," she said.
Mahalo
To Wendi, who works at Steens in the Outrigger Village Hotel. Our car was on fire and so many men passed us by. It took a lady to do the job -- a little lady with a heart bigger than herself. She truly was our angel and may she be blessed always. -- T.S. & R.
Auwe
To the idiot who ripped off my military post decals. May your night be filled with nightmares. -- No name
Mahalo
To Kim Trentley who found my coupon wallet containing a substantial gift certificate. She took the time and expense to return it via the mail. She exemplifies the aloha spirit that makes me proud to live in Hawaii. May she and her family have good fortune and health always. -- S. Nakamura
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com