Question: When I’m traveling, is it true that my passport has to have at least six months left before the expiration date? Also, where do I go to renew my passport?

Answer: It’s true that many countries might not allow you in if your passport is not valid at least six months beyond the date of your trip.

You should find out whether the country you’re planning to visit has that requirement. The U.S. State Department advises people to renew a passport about nine months before it expires. Some airlines might not allow you to board if your passport expires in six months.

Information on what’s needed to get or renew a passport and where to go can by found at travel.state.gov. You have the option of renewing by mail.

You also can call 877-487-2778. To speak to a representative, call between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST, weekdays.

We went online and found several passport application sites on Oahu. Call to find out times passport services are available:

Aiea Post Office, 483-0010; Airport/Main Post Office, 423-6029; Downtown Honolulu Post Office, 532-1987; Ewa Beach Post Office, 689-4250; Haleiwa Post Office, 637-1711; Hauula Post Office, 293-5057; Hawaii Kai Post Office, 396-6431; Hawaii State Library, 586-3477; Kaaawa Post Office, 237-8372; Kailua Post Office, 266-3996; Kalihi-Palama Library, 832-3466; Kaneohe Post Office, 235-1055; Kapalama Post Office, 832-0068; Kapiolani Community College, 734-9258; Laie Post Office, 275-8777; Leeward Community College, 455-0570; Makiki Post Office, 532-5689; Mililani Post Office, 625-0320; Pearl City Post Office, 453-0111; University of Hawaii at Manoa, 956-7235; Wahiawa Post Office, 622-1182; Waialae-Kahala Post Office, 737-8937; Waialua Post Office, 637-2754; Waianae Post Office, 696-0161; Waimanalo Post Office, 259-0106; Waikiki Post Office, 973-7515; and Waipahu Post Office, 671-0396.

You can get a passport at the Honolulu Passport Agency in the federal building if you are traveling within 14 days or need a visa. An appointment is required. Call 877-487-2778.

Question: What is the Hawaii law regarding motorists making a right turn into a roadway when there is a marked bike lane? When the way is clear, does one cross into the bike lane, stop at the intersection then complete the right turn?

Answer: Section 15 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (Traffic Code) says you can operate or stop a motor vehicle or mo-ped in a bicycle lane "when necessary to turn into or turn from a street intersecting the lane" or when entering or exiting a driveway or legal parking space.

You are allowed to do so "with due regard for the safety of any bicyclist or pedestrian in the lane."

MAHALO

To a stranger named "Peter." On Dec. 5 we had lunch with my brother and his wife to celebrate her birthday at Makino Chaya restaurant. When we asked for our check, the waiter told us that "Peter" at the next table had paid for it. We had noticed a young Caucasian couple at the table, but they had already left. We were stunned. My sister-in-law said it was "a random act of kindness." I don’t know whether they overheard it was a birthday celebration or whether they noticed that my brother is handicapped with failing eyesight or that we were just senior citizens. In any case, the aloha spirit or Christmas spirit was alive that day. I made a commitment then to continue "Peter’s Kindness" and extend the same, preferably to military persons, for their dedication and duty, since I am an Army veteran. Wherever you are, Peter, much mahalo! — Stan Kamita

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 e-mail kokualine@staradvertiser.com.