Question: On the H-1 freeway heading west, after the University onramp, there are two signs that say road closed when flashing on the left. But there are no lights. Are they replacing the lights? If not, they should replace the signs.
Answer: The signs are not intended to have any flashing lights.
The two signs mounted on the H-1 median barrier show two large arrows pointing to the right, referring to a flashing beacon light atop the Wilder Avenue offramp (Exit 24-A) sign, explained Caroline Sluyter, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation.
A third advisory sign just below the light reads, "Road Closed Exit Here When Flashing," she said.
Sluyter said an identical light and sign are posted in the eastbound direction, at the Punahou Street offramp (Exit 23).
"These warning devices are posted in case heavy rains cause flooding at the low point of the freeway below the Punahou Street overpass," she said. "Like on any street, prolonged torrential downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and rainwater may pool, creating safety hazards for motorists."
So, if necessary, police or highway maintenance crews would then close the lanes, activate the flashing lights and divert H-1 traffic to the exits as a safety measure, she said.
Mahalo
To Honolulu police officer Karl Steininger for his presence on Waikiki Beach each day while we were holidaying over the past two months. His friendly attitude and willingness to have his picture taken with visitors, including children from all over the world, truly reflects the aloha spirit of Hawaii. After having spoken to many other visitors from all over the world, we feel this is one of the safest and friendliest holiday destinations. — Bernadette Bolcic, Edmonton, Alberta
Steininger, one of two officers assigned to the Beach Task Force, said that besides keeping an eye out for trouble, he likes to "talk to tourists and make them feel comfortable."
Steininger was with the New York Police Department for 20 years. His love for scuba diving and vacations in Hawaii and Micronesia led to a permanent move here in March 2004.
"I like the beautiful place, the beautiful weather; I like the culture, I like the people and I decided this was where I was going to retire."
But retirement is on hold; soon after arriving here nine years ago, he got a job with HPD. He joined the Beach Task Force last October.
"I guess I have this knack of making our overseas guests and guests in general comfortable when they come to visit us at Waikiki Beach," he explained in his distinct New York accent. "I got so many compliments that I just continued with what I would do, which is talk to tourists, make them comfortable, storytelling, that kind of stuff."
He opts to wear HPD’s traditional uniform and hat because "I’m from the old school of policing … (which) teaches us that high visibility is the biggest deterrent in preventing crime."
The hat is a valuable accessory, Steininger said, because "it can be seen a hundred yards down the beach, and that’s a deterrent within itself."
Task Force Successful
The Waikiki Beach Task Force was created in 2005 as a seasonal project, then made a permanent beach detail in 2007, said HPD spokeswoman Teresa Bell.
The aim was to increase daily police presence and visibility along the nearly 2-mile stretch of Waikiki Beach and prevent thefts.
"Due to these efforts, reported beach thefts have significantly decreased, and related arrests have increased," Bell said.
There were roughly 633 reports of theft and related cases in 2007, 403 in 2008, 368 in 2009, 465 in 2010, 541 in 2011 and 350 in 2012, according to HPD records.
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