Phase-in period, delays likely to ease fees for REAL ID cards
Question: In April, I renewed my Hawaii driver’s license for another eight years. Since Hawaii is not yet in full compliance with the REAL ID Act (www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110428_State_drivers_ licenses_ID_cards_do_not_conform_to_federal_ rules.html), will the city and/or state replace our current licenses/state IDs at no charge when we do have to comply?
Answer: State ID card holders will have to pay the regular full fee, while those renewing a driver’s license will have to pay the cost of getting a duplicate license.
While most people will rely on a driver’s license or state ID card for travel identification or to enter a federal facility, it’s a choice whether to obtain a REALID, security-enhanced license or ID card, said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city Motor Vehicle & Licensing Division.
That’s because using a U.S. passport as identification is an option, so "a REAL ID compliant card is not necessary," he said.
If you opt to get a fully compliant license when it becomes mandated, you will be required to submit additional REALID information, then pay for a duplicate card, which will have the same expiration date as your current card.
The fee for licenses, set in 1997, is $3 per year (e.g., a four-year license is $12, an eight-year license is $24), with duplicates costing $5. However, the City Council is considering Bill 62, which would increase the fees to $5 per year and $6 for a duplicate, Kamimura said.
State ID cards, meanwhile, do not have a duplicate fee.
Therefore, anyone applying for a state ID card would pay the full fee and the card will be valid for another eight years, said Laureen Uwaine, assistant administrator of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, which oversees the IDOffice.
The fee is $15 cash ($10 for people 65 years or older).
"It is our understanding that there is a phase-in period for Real ID," Uwaine said. "So, when Real ID takes effect, everyone will not have to get a compliant card right away. … Hopefully, this will help to alleviate some of the concerns in having to pay for another card."
Until further notice, all current ID cards and driver’s licenses are accepted for travel and entry into federal buildings. The deadline for states to institute all REALID security measures is now January 2013.
Many states continue to oppose REALID requirements, citing costs and privacy concerns.
Question: Whom can I contact about getting rid of a bees’ nest?
Answer: Call the Hawaii Beekeepers Association at 988-7203.
You will be referred to beekeepers who can remove the nest. The charge will depend on the situation.
The state Health Department says it generally does not get involved in removing bees from private property unless it poses a more public threat.
AUWE and MAHALO
To whoever took my cell phone at Kapiolani Medical Center. I am from Kauai and on Monday, April 25, I had to take my daughter to see a specialist at the hospital. We had gone to use the restroom by the cafeteria and I accidentally left my phone there. Whoever used the restroom after us took my phone. The aloha spirit is gone from that person. Thanks to her I lost everything I needed in that phone, plus all my personal pictures. I hope you rot in your guilt. But mahalo to Kapiolani Medical Center’s Admissions Office, Volunteer Desk and Security Desk for trying to help find my phone.
— Melissa Pasadava
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.
