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Kokua Line
Question: I am a former Hawaii resident who has been living in Japan for the past six years. I plan to return to the islands next year but am faced with a dilemma. I have a car that I have invested much time and money in and I would hate to leave it behind. However, I'm unfamiliar with the state's laws concerning cars from other countries. I heard that foreign cars need to be modified to pass federal regulations. Feds, city say
imported cars must
meet U.S. standardsOn my last visit to Honolulu, I called the Division of Motor Vehicles but they weren't very helpful. If there are laws or regulations, what are they and what would I have to do to be allowed to drive my car in Hawaii? Would I be able to register it and get it insured?
Answer: Everything is moot if the car doesn't pass federal regulations.
"If it doesn't meet federal requirements, we won't register it," said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.
Contact the U.S. Customs Office (522-8080) and ask for a brochure on "Importing a Car," that will detail what you need to do to bring in your vehicle.
You can also get information on-line, at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Web site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov (click on Vehicle Importation Regulations); or call the Environmental Protection Agency's import hot line, 202-564-9281, or the U.S. Department of Transportation, 202-366-4723.
Any imported vehicle has to comply with federal standards relating to bumpers, tires, windows, labeling, etc., Kamimura noted, while the engine has to meet EPA regulations.
Word of warning: If your car does not meet federal standards, don't bother shipping it to Hawaii first, because you will only have to reship it to the mainland for modifications to be done. There is no DOT-registered importer who can modify foreign vehicles to confirm to DOT safety and bumper standards in Hawaii, according to a customs official and Kamimura.
The brochure on "Importing a Car" warns on the first page: "Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported or destroyed."
Mahalo
To the lady who found my library book at Kailua Beach Park and returned it to the library for me. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. -- Michael
Auwe
To a woman driving a tan car on Tuesday, Oct. 17. She was turning mauka from King Street to University Avenue, cell phone to her ear in her right hand, cigarette in her left hand hanging out the window. Who or what was steering the car? I sure would like to know. -- Incredulous
Mahalo
To the group of young people who jump-started a senior couple's car battery on the third floor of the Ward Warehouse parking garage on Oct. 11. It is indeed heartwarming that there were such caring people enthusiastically volunteering to help strangers. We are very grateful. -- W. Lum
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