Question: Regarding the “auwe” about the pedestrians (808ne.ws/2jHFlzE). Are you sure about that?
Answer: Yes. The reader who said that pedestrians should not enter a crosswalk when the countdown timer is flashing seems to have the state law on his side.
Hawaii Revised Statutes 291C-33, regarding pedestrian-control signals, states that when the “don’t walk” or “upraised palm” signal is showing, “No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, whether flashing or steady, but any pedestrian who has partially completed the pedestrian’s crossing on the ‘walk’ or ‘walking person’ signal shall complete the crossing to a sidewalk or safety island while the ‘don’t walk’ or upraised palm signal is showing.”
In other words: If you are already in the crosswalk when the upraised palm signal starts flashing, finish crossing the street — but don’t enter the intersection when that signal is showing, whether it is flashing or steady. The numbered countdown accompanies the red upraised palm, at intersections we checked that have that type of traffic signal.
You can read the statute at 808ne.ws/crosswalklaw.
Pedestrians can be fined $130 per violation for failing to heed the “don’t walk” signal, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Q: You wrote about a place to learn about state laws, but I can’t recall the details. Does that ring a bell?
A: Yes, we believe that you are referring to the Hawaii Public Access Room, a division of the Legislative Reference Bureau and an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to participate more fully in Hawaii’s legislative process. PAR provides the workspace, equipment and staff expertise to help everyday people research and track bills, contact their elected representatives and more. The general public can access information from PAR in person, online or by telephone. For more information on the array of free services available, see lrbhawaii.org/par. The office is in Room 401 of the state Capitol, at 415 S. Beretania St. During the legislative session, which starts today, PAR is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. You also may email PAR at par@capitol.hawaii.gov or, from Oahu, call 587-0478.
Wahiawa alert
The driver licensing center and satellite city hall at 330 N. Cane St. in Wahiawa will be closed through Jan. 27 for a driveway repaving project, the city announced. The police substation will remain open during the construction, but there will be no access to the public parking lot off North Cane Street that serves all three sites. The construction closure began Monday, which was a holiday anyway.
Auwe
Auwe to dog owners who let their pets roam free and have no idea what they are doing at night. Just because they come home every morning does not mean they are under the owner’s control. — Annoyed Neighbor
Mahalo
Mahalo to the Department of Transportation’s Freeway Service Patrol. Some might say they are just doing their job when they help clear the highways of broken-down cars during rush hour, but in my case I can attest that they do so not only with great efficiency, but also with a lot of aloha. It was embarrassing for me because I had run out of gas and people were honking and annoyed that I was obstructing traffic. I swear there was something wrong with my gas gauge, but whatever. The crew provided a gallon of gas to get me off the road without making a big deal out of it and worsening my embarrassment. Believe me, they didn’t need to; I won’t make that mistake again! Anyway, thanks, FSP! — No name please
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.
