Question: Who is responsible for the no-smoking signs at bus stops? I did not think any were up at the makai side of Ala Moana Center (nor have I seen any on the mauka side), but then noticed two signs, one each on poles with bus numbers. The signs are small and make no mention of e-cigarettes. As big as that bus stop waiting area is, there should be very prominent signage.
Question: I was at a bus stop at Sumner Street and Iwilei Road. A homeless guy in a wheelchair parked himself in the back and lit a cigarette. Is it OK to smoke at a bus stop?
Answer: As of Jan. 1 no smoking is permitted within 20 feet of a bus stop on Oahu.
However, though e-cigarettes are prohibited on city buses, they are not banned at bus stops under the current ordinance (Section 41-21.2(n) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu), said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
E-cigarettes are prohibited only in confined spaces at this time, "meaning buses," he said.
The DTS, through its transit management contractor, Oahu Transit Services, is responsible for posting "no smoking" signs at bus stops.
There are approximately 4,000 bus stops on the island, and "the posting of signs is completed as signs and staff are available to post," Formby said.
Priority is given to stops in the urban core and near parks and hospitals, he said.
Regarding the size of the signs, the ordinance specifies that the words "smoking prohibited by law" have letters not less than 1 inch in height "conspicuously posted."
A random check of bus stops in the Ala Moana area showed most, if not all, had the no-smoking symbol (lit cigarette within a red circle with a red diagonal). We saw the larger "smoking prohibited by law" sign only at the major stop fronting Ala Moana Center.
If someone sees an individual smoking at a bus stop, Formby said the Honolulu Police Department can be called to enforce the law.
The fine is $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation and $500 for each additional violation within one year of the preceding violation.
Going Green’s Recycling program
The monthly Going Green one-stop recycling program will join up with the Honolulu Police Department’s District VI Community Policing Teams’ Waikiki Beach Clean Up Project on Saturday at Jefferson School.
Volunteers will be cleaning the beach, then greeting recyclers from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the school, 342 Kapahulu Ave.
A wide range of items will be accepted for recycling, including computers, TVs, batteries, cellphones, used cooking oil, used eyeglasses, used hearing aids, prom dresses and other usable clothing, household items, canned goods and HI-5 beverage containers.
The event not only diverts waste from going into landfills, but also serves as a fundraiser for the host school.
For more information, contact Rene Mansho at 291-6151 or at renemansho@hawaii.rr.com.
Auwe
To the young people who had a clambake at Nimitz Beach last month. You left plastic plates, forks, containers, an empty ice sack, empty vodka bottle, Tampax dispenser and four full diapers. I could not enjoy my beach time with the beautiful ocean and views until I picked up your mess and put it in (the) rubbish can 20 steps away. Teach your keiki beddah! — Older Local Judi
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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.
