Question: As a fan of classic cars, I have often tried to get a clear answer to what I have always thought to be a rather straightforward question, but I guess it’s not: What is the exact procedure to secure a "horseless carriage" license plate for a classic car in the City and County of Honolulu? I get different answers depending upon whom I ask, including the hardworking folks at the DMV. No one seems to know the process.
Answer: First of all, your motor vehicle — including motorcycles or motor scooters with a maximum 12 horsepower — must be at least 35 years old and of the original factory specification or restored to the original specifications in an unaltered or unreconstructed condition.
That’s under Section 249-1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which defines an "antique motor vehicle."
Additionally, the law says such a vehicle is "operated or moved over the highway primarily for the purpose of historical exhibition or other similar purposes."
It’s not to be driven for normal transportation purposes, which is reflected in the cost of the "horseless carriage" plate: $10.
The county tax is a flat $10 rate.
So the first step in applying for an antique license plant stamped "horseless carriage" is to make sure it meets the state qualifications, said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the city Depart- ment of Customer Services.
Then the owner must provide these documents: the last issued certificate of registration; a current vehicle inspection; an antique vehicle certification issued by the city Motor Vehicle Control Section; and a notarized statement-of-fact affidavit if the vehicle is not currently registered.
Before applying for the license plate, Kajiwara recommends that you call the Motor Vehicle Control Section at 733-2542 to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected.
The special license plate is yellow, with red lettering that says "horseless carriage" in the center, followed by up to three numerals.
The word "permanent" goes vertically down the left side, with "Hawaii" at the top and "Aloha State" at the bottom.
Question: My husband took his truck in for a safety check. Because he has factory tinting on his window, they charged him an extra $5 to test the tint. Is it OK to charge extra for checking the tint?
Answer: Yes.
The state Electronic Periodic Vehicle Inspection Reporting Program, which took effect in November, added a new requirement: that inspectors take at least one photo to prove that a vehicle was present at the time of inspection.
That requirement is said to be the reason that inspection stations are making sure that any tinted window is legal by doing a light transmission test.
Stations are allowed to charge $5 for the test, on top of the safety inspection fee, which is $19.19, plus tax, for cars and trucks, and $13.24, plus tax, for motorcycles.
MAHALO
To Dr. Jamie Boyd and her nursing students manning the first aid station and the nursing school tent at the Windward Hoolaulea. Mahalo also to Kaui and Kelona, who kept an eye on me while I waited to feel better. Kaui even taught me how to make palaia (Hawaiian kendama). As Dr. Boyd tended to me, I knew that I was in capable, caring hands. All of the nursing students were caring and professional. Thank you to all of you. — Darren
MAHALO
To Kyle Lim with the state Sheriff Division, who came to my assistance recently when a man grabbed my backpack in front of the Pan Am Building and ran away. I ran after him but couldn’t keep up. Mr. Lim, still in uniform, but off-duty at the time having just come from a dental appointment, quickly assessed the situation and chased the man through the Don Quijote parking lot. Although the thief got away, he dropped my backpack during the pursuit, and I was able to retrieve it with everything still intact. Thank you, Mr. Lim, for going above and beyond on your time off to help me. — Peter Lum
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