Buildings, homes must be clearly labeled with address

Question: It’s difficult to find addresses of places inasmuch as many buildings do not have the numbers easily seen as we drive by. In fact, most of them don’t have a number. Is there a ruling that says all buildings should have a number? If not, it would be a good idea, especially for tourists who need to find an address.

Answer: A city ordinance requires property owners to clearly identify addresses on homes or buildings so emergency vehicles can properly identify them, said George Atta, director of the city Department of Planning and Permitting.

Having them on mailboxes does not fulfill the requirement.

Atta pointed to Section 2-9.2 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, which says, "All numbers shall be placed in such manner as to be readily seen from the street, roadway or lane, shall be of different color from the background on which they are placed, and shall be at least 2 inches in height. The number shall be placed in a permanent manner, chalk or other effaceable material not being permitted."

The ordinance allows owners to paint house numbers on the curb fronting their property, but only as a supplement to the numbers required on their buildings.

Curb numbers do not require approval by Planning and Permitting, but must meet standards under the revised ordinances — i.e., painted within a 6-by-12-inch area on the top of the curb; within 3 feet of the driveway flare; and using black Arabic numerals on a white background.

Not having the required address numbers could result in civil fines.

"At one time, property owners faced a possible misdemeanor charge, but this is no longer the policy of the city," Atta said.

If his department receives a complaint, an inspector will be sent to investigate.

If there is a violation, the owner will be issued a "Warning Letter" and typically given 30 days to correct the violation. If the violation isn’t corrected, then a "Notice of Violation" is issued, and the owner is granted another 30 days to comply.

A "Notice of Order" will be issued for civil fines if corrective action is not taken within 60 days of receiving the "Warning Letter."

However, "We can’t recall the last time that a violation such as this has reached the (Notice of Order) stage," Atta said.

Question: Can you explain what the law is on riding skateboards on sidewalks or the road?

Answer: It appears there are many who don’t know or don’t care that there is a law prohibiting riding a skateboard on a public street.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, citing statistics from the state Judiciary, 1,034 citations were issued in 2013 for violations of Section 15-4.6 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, which restricts the use of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and "similar devices."

It’s not known exactly how many were skateboard violations.

The law says no person on a skateboard or roller skates or riding any "toy vehicle or similar device" should go on any roadway, except while crossing a street. It also specifically prohibits riding a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates on any sidewalk in Waikiki only. The penalty is a $25 fine.

Mahalo

To two young men. It was raining when we, three women, came out after shopping at Costco Iwilei. A car pulled in next to us, and out jumped a young man who said, "You ladies need help?" then loaded our groceries. We are in our late 70s, late 80s and pushing 90 in age, so really appreciated his kindness and help. After that we headed toward the lunch line when suddenly my feet slipped on the wet floor. I reached to grasp something. My right hand grasped my friend, and my left grasped a young man walking in the opposite direction. He must have been startled, but I did not have time to thank him. All I remember saying is, "I am sorry." I want to thank him for being there when I needed someone or something to hang on to. I like to think that the good Lord was looking after me by having him there. — PHC

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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.