Question: Last week on the Channel 2 news, it was reported that crossing the street in a crosswalk while the orange light counts down is illegal. I think most people feel otherwise, believing that the countdown tells you to get across before it reaches "0." The TV camera must have shown no less than a dozen pedestrians violating the law at King Street and University Avenue. I believe the fine is $45. Can you let people know about this law?
Answer: It’s true, but the fine is lot more: a hefty $130.
The numbers flashing the seconds left before the green light turns to red are there to let pedestrians already crossing know how much time is left.
They’re not to inform someone just reaching the crosswalk that they have that much time left to dash across the street. The key is the accompanying "Don’t Walk" or upraised-palm signals.
The law can be found in Section 291C-33(2) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
The Honolulu Police Department made a point of highlighting this part of the law when it conducted its pedestrian safety campaign earlier this year, said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu.
"The countdown is to assist pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk," she said. "As Capt. (Darren) Izumo mentioned (on the KHON broadcast), pedestrians who enter on the flashing hand are rushing, putting themselves at higher risk."
HRS 291C-33 says that when special pedestrian-control signals show "Walk" or the symbol of a walking person, that mean pedestrians "may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles."
If there is a "Don’t Walk" or upraised palm, "No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, whether flashing or steady, but any pedestrian who has partially completed the pedestrian’s crossing on the ‘Walk’ or walking person signal shall complete the crossing to a sidewalk or safety island while the ‘Don’t Walk’ or upraised palm signal is showing," the statute says.
Question: Recently, I was taking the H-3, and I counted 21 overhead lights illuminated at 1 p.m. What number do I call to notify someone regarding this waste of taxpayer kala?
Answer: You can call the state Department of Transportation highways hot line at 831-6714.
AUWE AND MAHALO
To the Grinch who took one of our shopping bags, which my husband accidentally left at Macy’s Ala Moana Sunday night, Nov. 20. The thief took our purchases and returned them for store credit the following day to Macy’s at Pearlridge. Much mahalo to Joelle, a cosmetics manager at Macy’s Ala Moana, who patiently listened to my explanation a week later and graciously credited back the purchases to my credit card. I understand she didn’t have to do this, and we are so grateful for her being courteous and professional. Joelle truly exemplifies what exceptional customer service is! — Laurie
MAHALO
To a Hawaii Kai couple. After my regular morning swim by Kahala Beach, I was caught in a rain shower and hurriedly drove out of the parking area, spilling my beach bag and wallet. The wallet contained credit card, driver’s license, Medicare card, etc. A return search yielded nothing. Then, when all hope was abandoned, came a call from Elizabeth in Hawaii Kai, whose husband had found the wallet in a gutter. Everything was intact! She returned it to me in Aina Haina on her way to work. What aloha! — Ever-Grateful Beach Bum
MAHALO
To Myra and Roni from Hairscapes and to Tho from AAA for helping me Nov. 17 when my car wouldn’t start in the Restaurant Row parking structure. Your friendliness leaves a longer impression than the frustration of my problem. — Naomi S.
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.
