Cost of a traffic abstract is up by $13

A traffic abstract will cost an extra $13 under a law effective Thursday.

The price will jump to $20 from $7 — a 186 percent increase — with $18 of it deposited into the state general fund and $2 into the Judiciary Computer Special Fund.

With about 500,000 traffic abstract requests expected in the next fiscal year, $6.5 million could be added to the general fund, according to the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Before the increase, $5 of the $7 abstract fee went into the general fund and $2 to the Judiciary fund.

Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed Senate Bill 2159, introduced by Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, because of the big increase. However, lawmakers overrode the veto.

In her veto statement, Lingle said: "This substantial increase will undoubtedly impact businesses operating in Hawaii that regularly need to review traffic abstracts, particularly businesses that operate fleets of vehicles. Further, the fee will impact any individual who operates a vehicle and must obtain an abstract for insurance purposes.

"This measure places an additional burden on Hawaii’s residents and businesses at a time when existing taxes are difficult enough to bear."

Traffic abstracts report all alleged moving violations and any resulting convictions arising from driving a motor vehicle and any administrative license revocations. Abstracts are available at the District Courts on all islands.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Work to close 3 highways on Big Island

Three highways on Hawaii island will be closed on weekdays next week because of construction, the state Department of Transportation has announced.

Alternating lanes on Hawaii Belt Road in both directions from Pakalana Street to Paauhau Road in Honokaa will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to install guardrails.

Single lanes in both directions on Kohala Mountain Road from Kawaihae Road near Waiaka Stream to Kohala Ranch Road will also be closed during the same times for road pavement work.

Single lanes in both directions on Kamaoa Road to Kiolakaa Homestead Road on Mamalahoa Highway in Naalehu will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for road pavement work.

No foul play seen in death of Kauai man

Kauai police say no foul play was involved in death of a 59-year-old man who was found yesterday morning at the Kapaa Public Library.

A library patron found the man on the lawn under a plumeria tree, according to a county news release.

Police said there were no suspicious injuries or circumstances involved.

Police are awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.