Question: Regarding the new appointments for driver’s license renewals, I don’t have a mobile phone on which to make an appointment. Is the city leaving adequate time for walk-ins at each location? What is the ratio for appointments and walk-ins? Or, is there a way for people without smartphones to make an appointment? I understand that this service is a wonderful convenience for people who own the latest technology, but not all of us do, nor can we afford to, and we shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens.
Answer: At Oahu satellite city halls that use the AlohaQ online reservation system, half the daily transactions are held for appointments, and the other half are available for walk-ins, so the ratio is 50-50, said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the city’s Department of Customer Services.
To be precise, a smartphone isn’t necessary to access the reservation system — you can reach honolulu.gov/license from any Internet-connected device, including a personal computer. However, you do need a text-capable mobile phone to set up an individual appointment. The user inputs the phone number and receives a verification code by text to complete the online booking.
Kokua Line has heard from numerous Oahu residents like you, who like the idea of reserving appointments but said that the system should be improved to include everyone. As one reader put it, don’t relegate “the cellphone have-nots” to wait and hope the office doesn’t close for the day before they get to the front of the line.
Kajiwara, who is aware of the complaints, said that the city is exploring ways to broaden access but that for now the online system does require text verification via mobile phone. The phone doesn’t have to be your own, she said, if you have a relative or friend who has a smartphone and will make the reservation for you.
That may be an option for several people who called Kokua Line about their parents, who they said don’t own smartphones but are licensed drivers and intend to remain so. Some are older than 72 and therefore have to renew their licenses every two years, meaning they’re already standing in line more often than the younger folks whose licenses are good for eight years. To answer a specific reader: Yes, you can use your smartphone to make an appointment for your dad. Your phone number will be used only to verify his appointment, according to the city.
As reported Wednesday, the city has expanded its AlohaQ appointment system for driver’s license renewals and duplicates to Fort Street Mall Satellite City Hall, Hawaii Kai Satellite City Hall, Pearlridge Satellite City Hall and Windward City Satellite City Hall. The system worked Thursday in Hawaii Kai, technical glitches that interrupted service on Wednesday having been resolved.
Walks-ins are allowed at all four locations, Kajiwara emphasized. Incorrect messages to the contrary on the city’s website, which confused some readers, have been removed.
Q: My driver’s license expires in August, but I will be traveling then. Can I renew it now?
A: Yes. You may renew your driver’s license up to six months in advance of expiration.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the elderly gentleman who picks up trash at night on Monsarrat Avenue between the Waikiki Shell and the Honolulu Zoo. It gives the many tourists, who traverse that road during the day on their hike to the Diamond Head Crater peak, a very clean first impression. — Aloha, Ed from Kapahulu
Mahalo
On Tuesday my grandniece, who is visiting from San Diego, and I were having lunch at Shige’s in Wahiawa. I was surprised to learn that our lunch was paid for. Thank you very much, and may you have many blessings for being so kind. — Wahiawa resident
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.
