Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I was recently reviewing the Official Hawaii Driver's Manual offered by the state Department of Transportation. On page 71, in the explanation of parking on a hill, it says: "On an upgrade, front wheels should also be turned toward the curb." The accompanying description shows a car parked at a curb facing uphill with the wheels turned right. I had always thought that if you are parked at a curb facing uphill that your wheels should be turned left or away from the curb. I checked with New York's and California's driver's manuals, which confirmed my thoughts. Does Hawaii have different parking laws than on the mainland or is this an error in the Hawaii Driver's Manual? Hawaii turns with the tide
for curbside cars on a hillAnswer: It wasn't an "error," but after years of traveling a different road on this issue, the state DOT has decided to go with the flow.
"We are changing our driver manual to reflect what is being done in most states and what is being taught in our driver education classes," said DOT spokeswoman Marilyn Kali. She noted the question of which way drivers should turn their wheels when parking uphill or downhill "has been the subject of discussion for many years."
The change will be reflected in the next printing of the manual, which Kali said is going to the printer "now," and which should be available early next year.
Asked whether the instruction is a rule, recommendation or law, Kali said the driver's manual is designed for use as a guide to help people become safer drivers and to help them qualify for a Hawaii driver's license.
"The information does not supersede either state laws or county ordinances, or any rule or regulation," she said.
So, in line with the general consensus, when parking uphill, you should turn your front wheels away from the curb, letting your vehicle roll back a few inches until the rear of one front wheel touches the curb.
If you're parking downhill, you should turn your wheels toward the curb.
If there is no curb, for either uphill or downhill parking, you should turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.
In all instances, be sure to set your parking brake.
Q: I wonder if you would be so kind to find out why the state is not working at night on Kalanianaole Highway to improve safety at Makapuu. With modern technology there should be adequate lighting. Common sense would indicate that the people in Waimanalo and Kailua would benefit from a night closing. Sea Life Park and Waimanalo businesses are going to be drastically affected by a day-time closing of Kalanianaole Highway.
A: The state Department of Transportation, which is conducting work to minimize the possibility of a rockfall at Makapuu, says night work is not feasible, basically for safety reasons.
"It would not be safe for the crew scaling the mountain, setting charges, etc.," a spokeswoman said.
Kalanianaole Highway will be closed daily, including holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Nov. 27.
Workers spent the past week doing preparation work for the project. They'll be scaling and blasting rock tomorrow through Nov. 22, with clean-up scheduled Nov. 23-27.
Netting and chain-link fencing will be installed along the face of the cliff.
Q: I would like to know whom to contact concerning a house at 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue, makai side, with huge lettering in Korean and a telephone number. This house supposedly is used as a church, with a huge cross in the front yard. Why are they allowed to conduct this sort of commercial business in a residential area? I think there are several violations: huge signage on side of house, tall cross on front lawn, and flying dirt from side yard. Can you check into this?
A: An inspector from the city's Housing Code Section visited the house on Oct. 16 and 28 and found that the signs and cross had been removed, said section chief William Deering. The owners did not have a permit to operate a church on the property. (Churches are classified as "meeting facilities" and operators must obtain a conditional use permit from the city.)
No action was taken on the dirt, because no violation could be found. However, a notice was issued to the owners for enclosing the carport without a building permit, Deering said.
Mahalo
To police Officer Vatchari "Pat" Reyes, who was greatly helpful to me on Oct. 24 when I ran out of gas on Salt Lake Boulevard. She called AAA and informed Tripler Hospital I would be late. And when her shift was over directing traffic and AAA had not yet arrived, she personally drove me to Tripler to make my appointment. She really is an outstanding police woman who should be rewarded for her courteous and helpful service. -- Erica Rogers
|
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