Question: For several months, PODS storage units occupied several parking spaces on upper Kalakaua Avenue. They were quite large, unsightly and a potential hazard since they interfered with sight lines for both cars and pedestrians. In one case, two remained in adjacent locations continuously for two months. They had permits issued by the Department of Transportation Services. However, on the DTS webpage, Rule 6 of a list of “Special Conditions for Issuance of Permit” says: “No material shall be stockpiled or otherwise stored within street rights-of-way.” Yet the permits were specifically for “storage PODS.” Why is DTS issuing permits that violate its own rules? (Two complaints.)
Question: I live in Kaneohe and recently two neighbors put storage containers on the street, one for about a month. The street is two lanes wide and a major bus route. When you turned, all of a sudden a big container was sticking out on the street. Is it legal to put them on the street?
Answer: In the case of the PODS units at 2969 Kalakaua Ave., DTS said valid street usage permits had been issued, but that the containers “may” have been left on the street longer than permitted.
“Our staff is following up with the permittees,” DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka told us last week.
The PODS units in Kaneohe did not have valid permits, he said. In those cases, the police department was notified.
The DTS website refers to street usage permits “for construction” and does say no material shall be stored on a street right-of-way.
So why are storage containers permitted?
Yoshioka says a street usage permit allows PODS to be loaded, therefore, that’s considered “a construction action.”
“That’s why the permit is usually issued for a duration of two weeks,” he said. The PODS are to be loaded, then moved to a storage facility.
“It is not the intent to allow the PODS to remain on the street for long periods of time,” Yoshioka said.
Street usage permits issued in residential areas usually are free and usually good for two weeks, “unless circumstances warrant a longer time period,” according to the DTS website.
Permittees are required to place at least two barricades with flashing amber lights and a “no-parking” sign on either side of the PODS unit.
MORE HECO COPTERS
Hawaiian Electric Co. will be using a helicopter to take crews and equipment to a steep work site on a hillside off Myrtle Street in Palolo Valley on Sunday, weather permitting.
The flights will begin at 8:30 a.m., continuing intermittently until about 3:30 p.m., HECO said.
MAHALO
To the McCully resident for the kind and thoughtful words of appreciation in Tuesday’s Kokua Line. On behalf of the many contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and the city Department of Design and Construction’s engineers, inspectors and behind-the-scenes support staff, we thank you for the great effort you put forth to recognize everyone associated with the project. Your observations on the details of our work and difficulties we encounter daily speak volumes. For the last three years, the department has steadily paved across Oahu using every contractor, crew and equipment available. It is a daunting task that we hope the public recognizes will not be accomplished overnight. As civil servants, we recognize that it is not possible to satisfy everyone, and therefore, accept the negative feedback we receive daily. Yours was the first positive acknowledgment received in the three years.
You would not believe the impact and morale boost your unsolicited mahalo has provided to contractors, city staff and even our brethren at the state Department of Transportation, who face the same realities. Thank you and to the rest of the public, we ask for patience. We will be coming your way.
— Michael Yuen, Construction Branch Chief, Department of Planning and Construction Civil Division
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.
