Question: I called the bike registration phone number listed on the city’s website for three days and kept getting the same message that all lines were busy and to call back. It is very frustrating, especially for those of us who are working. It’s even more frustrating that you cannot stay on the line, so I am assuming they don’t answer the phone ever. I am working two jobs and cannot go in person to register my new bike, and want information on how to mail in for the registration.
Answer: Bicycle registration is administered by the city’s Department of Customer Services, so Kokua Line checked in with its director, Sherilyn Kajiwara, for answers to your questions.
The phone number you called — listed on the city’s website as being for the main bicycle registration station — is outdated. The new number is 768-2540. The web page with information about bicycle registration (808ne.ws/2enTsMt) will be updated to reflect that, she said.
When staff are unable to answer the line because they are busy serving other customers, callers will hear the same message as on the old number, instructing them to call back later. (As of Thursday there was no option to leave a message, but staff are working to correct that.)
Kajiwara also offered another option for general questions about bicycle registration: Call customer services at 768-4381. However, she said most information can be found online.
As for why the registration form is not online, Kajiwara explained that per Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 249-14.5, registration of all new bicycles begins at the point of first sale, with the form provided by the retailer. You can read the law at 808ne.ws/2elUVhP.
Retailers have the customer fill out the form and collect the registration fee. The retailer gives the buyer a copy of the completed form and sends another (and the payment) to the director of finance. After processing, the registration certificate and tag are mailed to the owner.
When we followed up, you said that you bought your bike online, from Walmart. You took your receipt to the Keeaumoku Street store, filled out the form and paid the fee. The certificate and tag should be mailed to you.
Although the initial registration form is not available online, other bicycle-related forms can be found at 808ne.ws/2ekdJQh, including ones certifying a resale and requesting a duplicate registration certificate or tag.
Depending on the transaction, a customer might need to appear in person to process the paperwork. This can be done at any satellite city hall, Kajiwara said.
Q: Do state ID cards expire?
A: Yes. A Hawaii state identification card is good for eight years. It expires on the holder’s birthday.
You have a year (365 days) to renew your ID after it expires. After that period elapses, you will be treated as a new applicant.
Q: Can kids get a state ID?
A: Yes, children 10 and older are eligible; a parent or guardian must apply on behalf of those between the ages of 10 and 13.
For more information about how to obtain a state ID, see 808ne.ws/2eP93no.
Mahalo
On Oct. 7 I misstepped and did a “face plant” in the parking structure of Physicians Office Building No. 1. A gentleman helped me up and offered to take me back to a doctor, but I declined. I was so focused on my cut/bleeding lip that I did not even realize until hours later that I had also hit my head and was probably stunned. I neglected to thank the kind gentleman. Please do so for me in Kokua Line. — Thanks, Carol
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.
