Question: Can I take the road test to get my full driver’s license if I got a ticket?

Answer: Yes, an outstanding citation doesn’t automatically keep you from taking the road test. However, it would prevent you from receiving your license — even if you pass the road test — because all violations must be cleared with the state Traffic Violations Bureau before a driver’s license is issued, according to the city’s Department of Customer Services. Road-test results are valid for 30 days. Be sure to clear the ticket before your results expire or you will have to retake the test. Applicants’ records are checked against the TVB to ensure compliance. For information on clearing your driving record, call the TVB at 538-5500 or visit the office at 1111 Alakea St., second floor. Read more at 808ne.ws/rdtst.

Q: For years, as I’ve flown back and forth between the islands, I’ve sat in the Honolulu airport and cringed every time Hawaiian Airlines announces flights to “Ka-haa-lu-i,” Maui. And over those same years, the occasional request has been sent to the airline asking them to correct the pronunciation of that flight destination to its proper and honorable name of Ka-hului. Many Hawaiian Airlines attendants now know some Hawaiian language and graciously pronounce the name correctly during the flights, yet every day this ongoing offense to the ears persists in the terminals. Hawaiian Airlines has grown in its awareness of the renaissance of Hawaiian language and culture, reflected in its Hana Hou! magazine, online, even choosing to make its in-flight recorded announcements in Hawaiian and English and to share the message of how precious our island ecosystems are to its customers. So it comes as a surprise that the name of poor Kahului languishes like an abandoned uala field. Recalling names in Hawaiian language brings them to back to life; changing pronunciation changes meaning. The name Kahului honors ancient battles, champions of sport and recognized the bounty of its fishing grounds. Kaha-lui is an imaginary place. If TheBus can do it, surely Hawaiian Airlines and the airport can too!

A: Consider your plea heard. We aired your concern with both the state Department of Transportation and Hawaiian Airlines. The airline is responsible for the flight calls you find unsatisfactory, and a spokeswoman promised to resolve any issues.

“Our ‘live’ announcements are indeed made by our local staff (recorded announcements are done by contract with the DOT-Airports Division on the U.S. continent). Our thanks to your observant correspondent for raising this question. We’ll look into it, and if it’s needed, our community relations group stands ready and willing to conduct pronunciation training,” said Ann Botticelli, Hawaiian Airlines’ senior vice president for corporate communications and public affairs.

Q: I recently moved to Hawaii from the contiguous states. The DMV site says to switch my current valid license to a Hawaii license, I will be required to take a written test. Can you tell me at what location I can pick up a booklet to study for the written test?

A: Here’s a link to the Hawaii Driver’s Manual, 808ne.ws/drivermanual, on the state Department of Transportation’s website. Or you can buy a hard copy at any driver licensing office, according to the manual, and also purchase them at retail outlets such as Longs Drugs.

Mahalo

A great mahalo to Tiso, who is assigned to maintain Newtown Community Park. He does a thumbs-up job in keeping the restrooms clean and surrounding grounds well maintained. We walkers really appreciate all he does and his friendly personality. Thank you. — Byron, Vera, Marsha and Elma

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.