Question: Could you explain a "Higher Fines Zone"? How much are the tickets?
Answer: In areas around schools, any speeding violation up to 30 mph over the posted speed limit results in an automatic $322 fine.
Furthermore, any speed violation 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit will require a court appearance, explained Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
Regular fines also are based on the excess over the speed limit.
We previously explained that the total number of possible traffic-related fines and violations tops 400 and that the actual fine a violator may pay can vary according to the circumstances.
See bit.ly/1tgPYqo.
Meanwhile, you’ve probably noticed these "Higher Fines Zone" signs appearing around the island.
The DTS recently began to post more of these signs in school zones in an attempt to address speeding concerns from the public, Formby said.
Question: When I come down Kapiolani Boulevard from Waialae Avenue, the traffic cones start going down around McCully Street earlier than 3 p.m. That really disrupts traffic turning off into Waikiki and Atkinson Drive. What is the actual law about when the process of putting down the cones can begin?
Answer: Most contraflow-lane areas coincide with the standard peak traffic periods: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
But the time period is not specified in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
The city Department of Facility Maintenance is responsible for placing and removing the traffic cones.
The contraflow coning crew begins placing cones along Kapiolani Boulevard at approximately 3 p.m., although specific traffic conditions and other factors may result in "some variance" either earlier or later, said Facility Maintenance Director Ross Sasamura.
The crew’s arrival time at Kapiolani is based on ensuring the contraflow lane is completely in place no later than 3:30 p.m. "The crew starts the process early enough to address potential delays caused by traffic en route to Kapiolani Boulevard or any problems they may encounter with placing traffic cones or delineators and signs that must be inserted into receptacles in the road," Sasamura said.
The cones, delineators and signs are left in place until 5:30 p.m. At that time, the crew begins retrieving them and restoring the roadway to the regular traffic pattern.
The collection of cones and devices is completed at about 6 p.m., at which time the crew returns to the base yard in Kakaako.
"We recognize the effect the contraflow lane has on surrounding traffic and traffic patterns," Sasamura said. "We apologize for the inconvenience and thank motorists for their patience and understanding."
That said, the DTS currently has a consultant evaluating the existing contraflow limits and times "for their necessity," Formby said.
Mahalo
To Ikaika and Jacob, who work for RRR Recycling Services. As my mother and I left Costco Hawaii Kai, we heard a flapping sound and were signaled by a van of women that our tire was flat. I quickly pulled into the recycling center across the street and was going to call for help. Ikaika came and offered to change our tire so we wouldn’t have to wait. He was joined by Jacob. Together, they had us on the road in no time. The Recycling Center is open seven days a week, and they are there all the time. They are true gentlemen and an asset to their company and a reflection of their upbringing and family values! — Grateful Mother and Daughter
Mahalo
To the nice young man (an angel from heaven) who honked and flagged me down on the Moanalua Freeway one evening to notify me that my right rear tire was flat. He saved me from ruining my truck. — Clueless in White Truck
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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.
