Question: Are they going ahead with the Blaisdell redevelopment? I heard a lot about it last summer, then nothing.
Answer: Yes. The Blaisdell Center Master Plan is now in the conceptual design phase, having completed a feasibility study, two public meetings, a site assessment and outreach to various stakeholders since 2014, among other steps, according to a timeline on the project’s website.
There will be one more public meeting before the project moves into the actual design phase. Set for 6 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Pikake Room at the Blaisdell complex, it is described as “the final opportunity for the public to weigh in on the Master Plan for the over 50-year-old campus before the project moves into the design phase.”
As for what the entertainment complex along Ward Avenue between Kapiolani Boulevard and King Street might look like, the current conceptual design would “replace the Exhibition Hall and maintain the Concert Hall and Arena with renovations in each. Additions to the campus include a new Sports Pavilion, Halau/Arts Ensemble, and Performance Hall in addition to new public spaces,” according to the city website imagineblaisdell.com.
The city’s cost is estimated at $400 million to $500 million, raised primarily through bonds.
Q: Can I renew my driver’s license now? It expires in 2020.
A: No. Six months before the expiration date is the earliest a Hawaii driver’s license can be renewed, according to the city.
Q: Who do I call about a traffic light in Kaneohe across from Valley of the Temples, at Hui Iwa Street and Kahekili Highway? It seems like the light is malfunctioning, with the turn arrow going on while oncoming traffic is still cleared to come through. I barely avoided an accident.
A: Report malfunctioning traffic lights to the city Department of Transportation’s Traffic Signals Division at 768-8387. If it’s after regular working hours, call 911 and ask for the police.
You might wish to double-check the intersection first. We’ve had complaints about motorists running red lights there. It could be that oncoming traffic should have stopped but didn’t.
Q: Can you please remind people that they’re not supposed to park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant? There’s no red curb anymore so people forget.
A: Complaints about illegal parking in overcrowded Oahu neighborhoods are a constant at Kokua Line, and, based on our email and phone calls, the problem is getting worse.
You’re correct that the city long ago stopped painting curbs red to signify no-parking zones, with a few exceptions. However, neither a painted curb nor any other sign is required to enforce the general prohibition against parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant on Oahu.
The Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Sec. 15-14.1 outlaws stopping, standing or parking in specified places, no signs required; within 10 feet of fire hydrants is among the locations specified. See 808ne.ws/roh1514.
Auwe
To the guy driving a large black SUV at the shopping center in Mililani Mauka on Oct. 25 around 5:15 p.m.: You displayed horrible road rage, which was totally inappropriate. I pray your mother or any female loved one does not ever experience this act from another driver. You need to get help. Slow down and cool head, mister! — Praying for you
Mahalo
On Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. we sat down to breakfast at Waipio Zippy’s. Afterward, when we went to pay for our breakfast, the cashier said a young man by the name of Steve had paid our bill. Please let this young adult know that we are so very grateful that he is “he makana mai ka lani” (a gift from heaven). — Kupuna Wanda and Mike S.
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.
