Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Waialae bus stops
moved to aid trafficQuestion: Now that the construction on Waialae Avenue is finished, why are they moving the bus stops back in front of Azteca Restaurant and Larry's Auto Parts? Now, when buses stop for passengers, it turns Waialae into one lane in either direction. If cars want to turn left onto Koko Head or 9th avenues, traffic comes to a standstill. Why can't they make the temporary stops in front of 7-Eleven and Liliuokalani School permanent? That is where Waialae Avenue becomes three lanes again.
Answer: Before the construction on Waialae Avenue, buses had to turn into the parking lane to pick up and drop off passengers at the bus stops. That practice allowed two lanes of traffic to flow.
But as part of the area's new traffic-calming system, buses are being made to stop in the travel lane, allowing them to continue without any delay caused by merging into traffic, said Cheryl Soon, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
She said it isn't feasible to relocate the bus stops beyond the project limits because of the need to provide convenient stops for riders, especially the elderly and disabled. There is also the need for a common bus stop for transfers between Route No. 1 and No. 14 buses in the Koko Head direction, she added.
Going Ewa, the temporary stop serving 11th Avenue and Sierra Drive was very close to the 10th Avenue stop, Soon said. The current stop is closer to 11th Avenue and Sierra Drive.
Q: What is the procedure for parking your car five days or more at Honolulu Airport, and how much would it cost?
A: It costs $10 for each 24-hour period and there is no required procedure for you to leave your car in the lot for an extended time.
However, if you will be gone for more than 10 days WITHIN a calendar month, it would be cheaper to pay the monthly charge of $100. That must be prearranged and prepaid with AMPCO, which runs the airport parking concession. Call 861-1260.
The charge is good only for a calendar month. The first time such an arrangement is made, a $25 refundable deposit is required for an "entry card." When you return the card, you get your deposit back.
There is no limit to how long you can park your vehicle without moving it, but if you do so for more than 30 days, you should alert AMPCO in writing.
Since Sept. 11, two entrances to the airport parking structures have been closed and vehicles entering the structures are subject to security checks.
Mahalo
In July, I was riding in my friend's Jeep when my wallet slipped from my pocket at one of our stops. This really stressed me because I had recently received so many e-mails about identity fraud. Then on Saturday, Aug. 3, I received a package containing my wallet, complete with credit cards and all my money. Included was a note explaining how this resourceful couple had tracked me down. It was no easy task. My only regret is they have chosen to remain anonymous. To this "Christian couple who go on Saturday walks," thank you from the bottom of my heart. -- Stan Endo
Useful phone numbers
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com