Question: I’ve been traveling through the H-3 freeway’s Harano Tunnels ever since they opened and not once have I seen the digital message board reminding drivers to use their headlights while traveling in the tunnel. Why? Perhaps drivers think that because they can see the road that they don’t need to put on their headlights. But by putting on their headlights, they become more visible to other drivers. Hawaii drivers don’t use their blinkers to change lanes all the time so it becomes more dangerous in the tunnel when their headlights are not on.
Answer: Static signs saying “Turn On Lights” or “Use Headlights Thru Tunnel” are posted at all entrances to the Pali, Likelike and H-3 tunnels.
Such messages generally are not posted on “dynamic electric message signs” on freeways and highways, especially where static signs already are posted with the same messages, explained a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.
Instead, the electronic signs are used to provide major travel advisories, such as lane closings, he said. They are also used to provide emergency notices, such as Maile Amber Alerts for missing children, and to inform motorists of highway safety campaigns, such as the Click It Or Ticket seat belt program.
As you noted, “use of headlights within tunnels is not only to help increase a motorist’s visibility of the road ahead, but also to increase the visibility of that vehicle to other motorists,” the spokesman said.
“This simple practice helps to improve safety for everyone within the tunnel, where the effects of collisions can be magnified by the limited space.”
It is also required by law.
Under Section 15-19.2 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, headlights are required “at all hours” when a vehicle is within a highway tunnel. They also are required anytime from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and “at any other time when there is insufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 200 feet ahead.”
Question: Is there any city ordinance regulating how early construction can start? I live near the corner of Halekauwila and Keawe streets in Kakaako, where two high-rises are being built. Loud beeping noise starts about 6:30 every morning, even on weekends. Recently, it was 4:30!
Answer: The state, not the city, regulates construction noise under Chapter 11-46 of the Department of Health’s Administrative Rules on “Community Noise Control” and through the department’s noise-permitting system, said Jeffrey Eckerd, program manager of the Indoor and Radiological Health Branch.
In general, construction activities that exceed the maximum permissible sound levels in any zoning district are restricted to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
However, there are certain exceptions.
Noise variances may be issued for construction activities on nights and weekends, but only “for unusual circumstances,” such as for roadwork on freeways/highways that are highly congested during the day or for public safety issues, Eckerd said.
Call 586-4700 if you have a construction noise complaint.
MAHALO
To Gabriel, for rescuing two senior ladies whose car stalled in front of the New Eagle Cafe on Nimitz Highway. We thought the battery was dead so he arranged to have someone jump the battery. That was not the cause. Instead, the problem was the starter. Gabriel got out a sturdy umbrella from his car and used it to pound the malfunctioning starter to get it working again. He was a true angel sent from God. May God’s richest blessings be his always. — Aunties Annie & Caroline
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