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HVCB signs not
for sale to the public

Question: About 25 years ago my late husband purchased a Hawaii Visitors Bureau sign from a sign company in Kalihi that made them for the state. They also sold them to the public. I treasure the one I have, which is in my back yard and now faded. I would love to replace it. Can you tell me if this company still exists and if I can purchase a new sign?

Answer: Your husband probably did purchase a sign way back then, but the company wasn't supposed to be selling any official "warrior" sign to the public.

There had been instances in the past when companies may have made signs similar to the state's warrior markers, "but that basically was infringing on the (state) trademark, so we eventually asked them to stop reproducing those," said Jay Talwar, vice president of marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (formerly the Hawaii Visitors Bureau).

The red-and-yellow warrior signs identify sights that are of significant cultural, historic or scenic (point of interest) value to both the local community and visitors, he explained. Those sights must have safe and unrestricted public access, as well as meet one of the criteria of significance.

If people think they have such a spot that deserves to be duly noted and marked, they should call the HVCB at 923-1811 and ask for an application form, Talwar said.

There is a processing fee ($200 for nonprofit agencies and $500 for for-profit entities). A committee meets once a quarter to review applications.

The warrior sign program was created in 1931. The first sign went up in 1932, marking the old Hawaii Tourist Bureau site. There are now about 300 such signs around the state.

Q: Shrubbery on property on the Ewa side of the Kaimuki Fire Station obstructs the view of motorists and bicyclists trying to make a left turn onto Pahoa Avenue. To make matters worse, there is a van parked on the sidewalk next to the shrubbery. Another van is parked in the "No Parking to Corner" area on Pahoa near 21st Avenue, making it difficult to see cars coming up on Pahoa when trying to make a left turn or go straight across the intersection. Can these problems be corrected?

A: Your complaint was looked into by the Honolulu Police Department last month. Both vans were moved at last check in mid-December, said HPD officer Herb Schreiner.

If you see illegal parking, call 911, noting the times of day, the location and license numbers.

As for the shrubbery, HPD says it was not "technically" in any violation. However, as a "good gesture," the property owner said it would be cut back, Schreiner said.

Auwe

To the driver of a Honda displaying a vanity license plate and frame espousing her religion. She tried to cut off a car that had changed lanes in front of her on Kapiolani Boulevard to turn left onto Cooke Street by swerving into the oncoming lane. Be careful of your behavior when you flaunt your beliefs. Otherwise, practice what you believe in. -- Gail T.

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