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Kokua Line
Question: I read in the Star-Bulletin that the Legislature approved an increase in the fine for seat-belt violations from $20 to $45. But when I was given a citation last August, the police officer told me it already had been increased to $42. Who should I complain to? Seat-belt violation
fees really add upAnswer: The officer apparently was talking about other fees approved by the Legislature. In your case, they all add up to $42.
This is how it works, according to Milton Hee, manager for the state Traffic Violations Bureau. The current fee for a seat-belt violation is $20. Act 92, passed last year, allows the bureau to add on administrative fees to traffic citations: $5 to parking violations; $15 to equipment/miscellaneous violations; and $20 to moving violations.
In addition, a $7 Driver Education charge also is assessed, per Section 286G-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, he said. So, in your case, $20 + $15 + $7 = $42.
If the governor signs SB2311 into law and if you were cited for the same violation after that, your fine would be $67 ($45 + $15 + $7), Hee said.
Q: What is the status of the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii? I always assumed it is a public facility but notice that various religious groups hold services there, including New Hope Christian Fellowship on Easter Sunday.
A: The key word is public. When facilities are not being used by a public school, the philosophy is that it should be available for use by members of the community, much as school facilities overseen by the state Department of Education are rented to a variety of groups, including religious groups.
Thus, UH athletic facilities are available for rents-- if it's not being used, an athletic department spokesman said.
In addition to the Stan Sheriff, you can rent the baseball stadium, swimming pool, practice fields, etc., he said. Basically, rentals are made month to month; there is no long-term lease arrangement, he said.
Fees are determined by Athletic Director Hugh Yoshida and Assistant Athletic Director-Facilities Teri Wilhelm-Chang, the spokesman said. You can call them at 956-7301 for more information.
Q: Are there any radio talk shows devoted to computer usage where people can call in and ask questions about computers and the Internet? I called some stations, but they're not very helpful.
A: Readers, do you know of such a program? If so, please call Kokua Line, 525-8686.
Mahalo
To the person or persons who, on March 20, saw our 88-year-old mom collapse at the intersection of Kaheka and Kanunu streets and notified the Pawaa Fire Station. Mahalo also to the firefighters, who used an automated defibrillator to restore her heart rhythm and breathing. She has had a defibrillator/pacemaker implanted and was released from the hospital on April 20. Due to everyone's quick response, we are thankful she is alive and slowly getting back to her active lifestyle. We didn't get their names since we were notified from the hospital and the police report wouldn't give us any names. -- The Okado Family
Auwe
My two nieces, 9 and 12, requested I say something about a rude woman driving a gray Mercedes -Benz. At 1 p.m., April 16, at the McDonald's in Kahala, she rudely cut in front of our car at the entrance of the drive-thru. Instead of waiting her turn, she almost caused an accident. -- Rita Ishizu
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
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