Question: Somebody hit my friend’s car in the parking garage. She said “they didn’t even leave a note,” like it was a nice thing to do, not a requirement. There was damage to the car that will be expensive to fix. I encouraged her to seek security camera video or witnesses or something that could prove who did it (we think we know who it was but aren’t sure because we weren’t there at the time), but she was like, “It’s no use.” Isn’t it illegal to just leave the scene of an accident, even if no one was hurt?
Answer: Yes. Under state law the driver of any vehicle that damages an unattended vehicle or other unattended property is required to stop and either immediately locate and notify the owner, or leave a note on the damaged car or property and alert the nearest police station.
Whether in person or in writing, the offending driver must supply their name, address and the registration number of the vehicle they were driving at the time of the collision.
Failure to do so can result in a surcharge of $100, in addition to other penalties, per Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291C-15.
Q: I missed the free shredding. Is there another one coming up?
A: Yes. The Going Green event set for June 30 at Leilehua High School is scheduled to offer free shredding of personal documents (two banker’s boxes or bags per person), along with recycling typically offered at these community events. The shredding service will be available from 9 a.m. to noon, according to a news release. Drive through the school parking lot at 1515 California Ave. in Wahiawa to access the event.
Q: Can I carry a passenger on my moped?
A: No, unless the moped is a three-wheeled one designed to carry a driver and passenger seated side by side, per Hawaii HRS 291C-195. On more common two-wheeled mopeds, passen- gers are prohibited. “No person shall drive a moped which is carrying any other person nor shall any person other than the driver ride upon a moped,” per HRS 291C-195(c).
Auwe
Auwe! I was behind a black pickup truck at about 10:45 a.m. May 25, coming down Punahou Street, when I saw the driver toss out a lit cigarette onto the road. Luckily it dropped on the road and did not fly into someone’s car, like mine, as I was right behind him. Doesn’t he (yes, it was a man) know any better? — A concerned citizen
Auwe
Infinite auwes to the brazen thief who stole a Dewalt Sawzall with battery pack that was under my car in the garage on Mother’s Day at 11:15 a.m. Daylight and other people around do not deter thieves from taking what they want. I was shocked to hear from a witness what had happened: A white truck with red 4×4 lettering cruised by my house three times. The driver parked in front of my house, ran up the driveway, grabbed the saw and took off in the truck. A carpenter doing work on the roof could not stop the thief. Beware all you crooks — judgment and karma will return to you in many forms. — B.R.
Mahalo
On Mother’s Day after 8 a.m. Mass, my friend and I went to Anna Miller’s for breakfast. We had a nice time chatting and enjoying the food. When we asked for the check, we were told someone had paid for our meal. What a nice surprise! To that person we say: May you be blessed. You made our day. — Mahalo, two senior ladies
Mahalo
Hawaiian Telcom has an amazing person in its tech department. His name is Ed. He patiently and reassuringly walked me through, step by step, to solve a computer problem early the morning of June 7. I just followed his calm voice and, voila, the problem was solved! Thank you, Ed! Your calm, reassuring voice, patience and help are much appreciated! — M.H., Manoa
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.
