Question: I live down a lane on a street where there are no marked parking spaces, although adjacent streets have marked parking spaces. Often there are cars blocking a large part of the lane, making it difficult and dangerous to exit the lane onto the street. How do I request the city create marked parking spaces on my street?
Answer: Jon Y. Nouchi, deputy director of the city’s Department of Transportation Services, explains the process:
First, assuming the street is under city jurisdiction, you or another resident of the street may write a letter to DTS requesting the installation of marked parking stalls. DTS would respond with basic information, including that installation of marked stalls usually results in a 30 percent reduction of total on-street parking.
If you want to proceed with the request nonetheless, DTS would review existing conditions to ensure that marking stalls is feasible and possible on that particular street. Initiating and completing such traffic studies takes time; they must be scheduled to reflect normal road conditions for the duration of the study. DTS considers school schedules and other regular traffic patterns.
Meanwhile you would be asked to collect signatures on a petition or survey of nearby affected residents, seeking a 90 percent concurrence in favor of marking parking stalls. If the change would affect a multiunit condominium, an owners association could provide support with one letter representing the consensus of all owners.
If the immediate neighborhood assents, you would then submit the survey results to your neighborhood board for concurrence. This is more than a formality. The neighborhood board is the forum for final discussion and can provide its own opinion to the transportation department.
To start the process, submit your written request, with specifics about the affected location, to:
Department of Transportation Services
City and County of Honolulu
Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building
650 S. King St., 3rd Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813-3017
Q: I grew up beach camping in California and Mexico (Baja), and we always had bonfires. I hardly see them here. Are they allowed?
A: No, not on Oahu. “Campfires and Bonfires are illegal on all public beaches and parks. Persons violating the open burning ordinance are subject to fines up to $10,000 per violation, per day. You may use above-ground barbecue grills for charcoal cooking only. They must be at least 12 inches off of the ground. Propane grills are prohibited in all city campgrounds,” according to camping.honolulu.gov, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation website devoted to camping, where you can reserve a campsite and learn more about the rules.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the two females who helped me June 17 when I injured myself on Pali Highway. I had a bicycle accident. I split my eye open. They stopped and rendered aid upon seeing the accident. Also, thanks to the kind gentleman who took it upon himself to take my bicycle home. I gave him my address, and he was able to bring it home as I traveled in the ambulance for medical treatment. Again, thank you to all. — Joseph S.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the kind young lady who assisted me when I fell on Kailua Road at about 4:15 p.m. May 24. She not only got me some cold napkins to stop the bleeding, but she also insisted that she walk me to my destination and waited until a friend was able to pick me up. I sincerely appreciate her kindness and hope she reads this column so that she knows how grateful I am. — A senior
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
