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QUESTION: At about 7 p.m. Nov. 15, there was a traffic signal malfunction at Dillingham Boulevard and Alakawa Street. The left-turn lane onto Alakawa from Dillingham was functioning for only one second before it would turn yellow, then red. Only one or two cars at a time could get through, causing a big traffic jam on Dillingham. It took me 10 minutes to turn left. Meanwhile, a police officer, rather than addressing the light issue, was busy giving tickets to anybody, i.e., if there was a third car turning left. He was pulling cars over and giving out tickets. Is this the appropriate procedure on the part of the Police Department, or should they be doing what I think they should be doing, which is either manually running the light or getting out there and directing traffic? I was really irritated and feel it was unfair what was going on.
ANSWER: Based on your complaint, the Honolulu Police Department was able to identify the officer, who gave a different version of the situation.
He said he stopped only one vehicle and, after verifying the situation, did not issue a ticket to the driver. He also said he did adjust the malfunctioning signal so that it resumed functioning properly.
According to the officer, he was on Alakawa Street, waiting at the traffic light to turn onto Dillingham Boulevard, said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu.
At that point he saw a vehicle turning onto Alakawa from Dillingham on the red light.
"So he does pull over the car in the Sprint parking lot, which is on the corner," Yu said.
The driver explained to him that she thought the light was malfunctioning and, as you described, was allowing only two to three vehicles go through.
The officer then went to check the signal and verified it was not working.
"He did not give her a citation, then went back to the light and reset the traffic light (so that) it went back to functioning properly," Yu said.
Q: I was wondering how L&L restaurant in Laie passed their fire inspection. All of the lights in the ceiling do not work, and attached overhead were "drop" lights connected with extension cords. Is this an acceptable practice?
A: No. Based on your complaint and photo, an inspector from the Honolulu Fire Department confirmed last month that the restaurant had several fire safety violations, including the improper use of extension cords, said HFD spokesman Terry Seelig.
"The owner was advised of the violations, and a fire inspector will conduct a re-inspection in December," he said. He thanked you for bringing this to HFD’s attention.
Seelig said the public should report fire safety concerns and violations to the HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 723-7161.
"A fire inspector can explain relevant fire codes and/or schedule an inspection," he said.
Mahalo
To a special man who was wearing a dress shirt with "Sears" on the front. We came out of Longs Drug Store at Kamehameha Shopping Center at the same time the day after Thanksgiving. He stopped me and said, "I admire your great strength as you struggle to look strong." I am 79 and disabled. I wear orthopedic shoes with leg braces and use crutches with my left arm. This was the first time anyone ever said something like this to me. He mentioned Thanksgiving, put something in my hand and said he hoped I would enjoy the holidays. As he left, I opened my hand and was shocked to see a $20 bill. I felt so blessed by his kindness. I hope he sees this as I also wish him the best in life. — Romana A. Rivera
