---

Contract in works
to fix historic clock

Question: A year ago, I wrote to you about a broken clock on the state Judiciary Building in the back of the King Kamehameha statue. The state was having problems finding someone to repair it. Well, it is still broken, and has been for several years. I can't believe there is no one in America who can fix it. Can you please find out what the latest status is on this project?

Answer: Judiciary officials have identified one vendor who might be able to do the job, but is waiting to see whether that vendor will be able to clear all the necessary paperwork.

The 146-year-old clock atop Aliiolani Hale has been broken for about two years. As explained in the March 10, 2004, Kokua Line, officials have had a hard time finding a licensed, Hawaii-based vendor with the skills, knowledge and experience to fix the historic clock tower.

An "extensive search" has led to the one unidentified vendor, which "the Judiciary hopes will be able to meet the state's procurement code and liability requirements," said spokeswoman Marsha Kitagawa.

As we reported earlier, it's been difficult finding a qualified repair company because the clock is so old and has its original parts. The clock was made by E. Howard Clock Co., which discontinued producing that type of clock tower in 1903.

A Kokua Line reader last year sent us information about a company in Connecticut that had restored a historic Howard clock, which we passed on to the Judiciary.

But "we have been reluctant to expand the search for qualified vendors outside of Hawaii in light of the additional costs that such an effort may incur," Kitagawa said. "However, we may be forced to consider this option" if the local vendor can't meet the state requirements.

Kitagawa said she couldn't name the vendor until the contract is awarded.

Once the vendor secures the required insurance, as well as required certifications from the state departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Labor and Industrial Relations, she said the Judiciary should be able to execute the contract within a week.

We'll provide an update as soon as we get word.

Q: I am a Department of Defense civilian and a resident of Honolulu, currently living and working in Germany. My Hawaii driver's license will expire in 2006, but I expect to remain here through 2008. Is it possible for me to renew my license from here, or will I just lose it when it expires? I would like to maintain my Hawaii license, but cannot get back to renew in person.

A: You can renew your license by mail.

Hawaii law allows renewals by mail for any applicant six months prior to the license's expiration and within 90 days after expiration.

Just go online at www.co.honolulu.hi.us/csd/vehicle/dlicense.htm and ask that a renewal-by-mail packet be mailed to you. Instructions will be included. The e-mail address is csd@honolulu.gov.

|

---

---