A merge sign indicates neither lane has right of way

Question: There are two types of onramp signs to our highways: “merge” or “yield.” Could you provide a correct definition for both, thus pointing out the difference between these two signs when entering a highway? Some motorists do not understand the difference when entering a highway. It seems a refresher as to how they should obey either of these signs might help the general public drive a little safer.

Answer: The basic difference is that yield gives the right of way to drivers from one direction, while in a merge situation, drivers from both directions are required to “converge” to form a single stream of traffic, according to a state Department of Transportation traffic engineer.

Where there is a merge, no one direction has the right of way, he said.

Merging traffic is covered under Section 15-2.10 of the Revised Ordinances of Hono­lulu, which says merging “means a maneuver executed by the driver of a vehicle where separate roadways or streams of traffic moving in the same general direction converge to form a single stream of traffic and wherein the driver of each vehicle involved is required to adjust such person’s vehicular speed and lateral position so as to avoid a collision with any other vehicle.”

Yielding is covered in Chapter 291C-63(c) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which says a driver approaching a yield sign is required to “slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.” If there isn’t a stop line, then the driver should stop before entering a crosswalk; if there isn’t a crosswalk, then stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway.

After slowing or stopping, the driver should yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or one “approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Otherwise, if there is a collision, “the collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.”

Question: Do you know when court cases are posted on the state Judiciary’s Ho‘ohiki website? I’ve been unable to find recent cases, such as the Aloun Farms human trafficking case; Realtor Scott Kamiya, who pleaded guilty to bank fraud; businessman Brian Wada, who received probation and was fined for not paying taxes; and Honolulu police officers accused of falsifying overtime records.

Answer: Ho‘ohiki is an “interface” to the state Judiciary’s Hawaii Judicial Information System’s database.

“This means that as soon as documents are filed and docketed in (that database), they appear immediately online via Ho‘ohiki,” said Judiciary spokeswoman Marsha Kitagawa.

But Ho‘ohiki does not post federal or most misdemeanor cases. The Aloun Farms and Kamiya cases were in federal court. The cases involving Wada and the police officers — while they were/are misdemeanors — the officers asked for jury trials, so they are included in Ho‘ohiki.

The Judiciary’s information system eventually will incorporate District Court misdemeanor cases, Kitagawa said.

MAHALO

To Chris of Niu Valley. On Thursday, July 14, I had a flat tire and pulled onto West Halemaumau Street. With no cues to indicate what had happened (my shredded tire was on the opposite side), Chris immediately pulled over to ask if I needed help. I asked if he had a cellphone, and he quickly provided his. He figured I didn’t know how to use one (I didn’t), so he dialed the number for me, then waited very patiently while I made the very long call to the roadside assistance vendor on the mainland. Chris, you were a godsend, and I can’t thank you enough for being my good Samaritan in a time of need. BTW, I went out and bought a cellphone the very next day. — Carolyn from Hawaii Kai

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