Question: In the Feb. 3 Kokua Line (hsblinks.com/1vv), a reader complained about getting a parking ticket from a vendor at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. You mentioned that the vendor has a different rule than the city about parking in a stall with a broken meter. Does this mean that the vendor or any other vendor will issue a ticket when parking there with a handicap placard? How would handicap people know if it is run by the city or a vendor in order not to get a ticket?

Answer: We initially weren't able to get a response from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, which oversees parking at the state-owned harbor area.

But after several weeks of waiting for an answer, it turns out your question is moot.

DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward told us Tuesday that the meters were removed in February, pay stations have been installed and everyone, even those with a disabled parking placard, is required to pay to park in a public stall.

She indicated there was uncertainty as to whether disabled people would be required to pay if no meters were involved.

To answer your basic question: The state Disabilities and Communications Access Board said it doesn't matter whether the metered parking is owned by the state, city or anyone else.

Section 291-55 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes says, “;Any vehicle displaying special license plates, a removable windshield placard, or a temporary removable windshield placard ... shall be permitted to park, without payment of metered parking fees, in any metered parking space for a maximum of two-and-a-half hours or the maximum amount of time the meter allows, whichever is longer.”;

“;The statute does not distinguish between type of meter or who owns the property, so the application of the law and privileges are the same,”; said Francine Wai, board executive director.

Wai said that if attendants or pay stations were available, then the free parking privileges would not apply.

After we contacted Ward again in mid-February, relaying the Disabilities and Communications Access Board's explanation about the parking meter law, she said the situation was “;not simple”; and more “;technical”; than expected, so an answer to your question could not be given.

But when we inquired again this week, Ward told us, “;The meters have been replaced with accessible pay parking stations located within the various public parking areas. A fee will be imposed on all spaces, including those designated as reserved for persons with disabilities.”;

She said DLNR will “;ensure”; the pay stations are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Question: If we are already registered for the normally scheduled elections, do we have to re-register for the special election?

Answer: If you already are a registered voter in the 1st Congressional District, you may vote in the May 22 special “;Vote by Mail”; election to fill the seat vacated by Neil Abercrombie.

If not, the deadline to register is April 22.

All registered voters as of the deadline will be mailed a ballot and return envelope about 20 days before the election. Ballots must be returned, in the envelopes provided, by 6 p.m. May 22.

You can find more information at hawaii.gov/elections/factsheets/fsbo145.pdf.

Write to ”;Kokua Line”; at Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).