Question: In answer to the question about the King Street bike lane (808ne.ws/2f27UHL), I wish you had also pointed out that the traffic lights go both directions for the bicyclists even though it’s a one-way street for cars. Maybe drivers aren’t noticing that?
Answer: Yes, you are correct, and you are not the only reader who made that observation.
The fact that traffic lights face in both directions for bicyclists on the King Street Cycle Track should be another signal for motorists to treat bikes as fellow vehicles, as the law requires (and which the previous column explained), and not expect them to follow rules for pedestrians.
Bicyclists in the cycle track (mauka lane) proceed in both directions as vehicular traffic, following the traffic lights and other rules of the road.
Cars on the rest of the street proceed only Koko Head-bound; some motorists haven’t noticed the dual-facing traffic signals in the cycle lane.
We also heard from readers who accept that bicyclists are following the law but remain bothered that at certain intersections the bicycle traffic idles motorists waiting to turn left from the next lane over.
Q: How much can you give somebody in a year without them paying tax?
A: Gifts up to $14,000 a year are excluded from the federal gift tax, which usually is paid by the giver, not the recipient, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
An individual can give that amount to multiple recipients. For example, if you have three grown children, you could give each of them $14,000 this year without paying a gift tax.
In the case of joint property, you and the other owner are each entitled to the $14,000 exclusion. To cite the IRS’ example, a married couple could give away property worth $28,000 to each recipient without paying the federal gift tax.
Generally, a gift is any transfer to an individual, directly or indirectly, “where full consideration (measured in money or money’s worth) is not received in return,” according to the IRS.
You can learn more by reading IRS Publication 559 or checking the agency’s website, irs.gov. For specific questions the agency strongly advisers taxpayers to consult a tax professional.
Q: Is it too late to testify on the Uber rules?
A: No. A public hearing about proposed administrative rules to govern private-sector transportation services, including conventional taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday in the Mission Memorial Building hearings room. The building is at 550 S. King St., and the hearings room is on the first floor.
You can testify in person there, or, if you cannot make the hearing, you can submit written testimony in advance, by mail, which must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, according to a news release from the city. Mail it to the Department of Customer Services Motor Vehicle Control Section, 1112 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816.
You can read the proposed rules at 808ne.ws/2fTWR17. They draft the process for issuing business licenses, certifying drivers and vehicles, and other aspects affecting business operations.
They were drafted as required under city Ordinance 16-25 (Bill 36), which became law without Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s signature after the City Council approved the measure in August.
Mahalo
Due to a communication mix-up, my wife exited Aloha Stadium during the recent Boise State vs. UH football game not realizing that she could not re-enter using her own ticket. With me on one side (inside) of the turnstile and her on the outside, I was about to exit and join her on the outside after the attendant told us my wife could not re-enter.
However, a very kind woman who realized our predicament generously gave us an extra ticket that she had so that my wife could re-enter. I didn’t get her name, and she refused to accept any payment. A very big mahalo to this woman! — From grateful UH fans Ed and Marilyn from Mililani
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.
