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Kokua Line
Question: With the popularity of motorized skateboards, what are the rules and regulations on riding them on the sidewalks of Honolulu? Toy-vehicle rules
govern skateboardsAnswer: There are no laws specifically dealing with motorized skateboards, said Sgt. Clyde Yamashiro, of the Honolulu Police Department's Traffic Division.
However, there are laws dealing with skateboards, the most specific one being Sec. 15-4.6 of the city's Traffic Code, which covers bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and "similar devices."
As it is now, motorized skateboards and scooters are considered toys or "recreational play vehicles," he said. They don't require licensing.
In general, you would not be able to ride a skateboard, motorized or otherwise, in any place in Waikiki that has been designated a special district. Outside of the Waikiki district, you would be prohibited from riding it on any roadway, but would be allowed to do so on sidewalks.
Specifically, Sec. 15-4.6, subsection (b) says: "No person upon a skateboard or roller skates or riding in or by means of any toy vehicle or similar device shall go upon any roadway, except while crossing a street. When so crossing, such person shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians."
Subsection (c) says: "No person shall ride a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates upon any sidewalk in Waikiki. Subsection (b) notwithstanding, no person may ride a skateboard or roller skates on any roadway in Waikiki."
Violations are punishable by a $25 fine.
Yamashiro said the use of motorized skateboards and scooters hasn't really come up as an issue in the Traffic Division nor has he heard of problems from district commanders.
If the use of motorized skateboards became a problem, then perhaps lawmakers would consider regulations.
But for now, "it doesn't appear to be a major problem for us," Yamashiro said.
Auwe
On Thursday, March 30, an HPD squad car was turning right from St. Francis Medical Center-West onto Fort Weaver Road. Your light was green when a truck and car went speeding through an obviously red light. Even if you had been off duty, couldn't you have pulled them over and at least warned them? On Saturday, April 1, a white HPD Camaro, traveling south on Ft. Weaver, sped through the same intersection as the light turned red. You did not have any light on to indicate you were on a call or even on duty. If I had time to stop at the same light, you must have not only been speeding, but ignoring it. I was not able to get your license numbers, but I hope you recognize yourselves here. Even when you are off duty, you represent the police force and your actions reflect on the force. -- Jay Clark
Mahalo
To members of the Salt Lake District Luk Tung Kuen Club for helping our mother/grandmother after a car hit her on April 3. You helped her get up after she fell and rolled from the driveway to the middle of the road. Although the driver of the car that backed into her left the scene without stopping to help, you stayed and comforted her until we arrived. More importantly, your thoughtfulness, consideration and fellowship have made her period of recovery more bearable. May God bless all of you abundantly for your kindness. -- Chan Family
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