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Question: Regarding the APEC road restrictions, we need to go to Honolulu Airport between 9 and 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, from East Honolulu. What is the best route to go to the airport during the time they expect road closures on the H-1? It will be a big problem for everyone.
Answer: Anyone who has to travel between Waikiki and Ko Olina during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting Nov. 7-13 is advised to factor in extra time and to be patient on whatever route they take.
Traffic situations on Nov. 13, the last day of the gathering of President Barack Obama with Asian leaders, “will be fluid” in the morning, said Wayne Yoshioka, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
The road closures might not be confined to the H-1 freeway.
“The economic leaders are expected to be traveling between Waikiki and Ko Olina, and associated road closures will occur,” Yoshioka said. “For security reasons, information is not being provided regarding the timing and location of these closures.”
He said the best advice he can offer to those traveling on Nov. 13 is to “plan for disruption and have patience and aloha for others.”
For traffic-related concerns, you can call the Department of Transportation Services at 768-8305 on weekdays, beginning today through Nov. 10, between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Callers will be able to leave a message during other times, “and we will make our best effort to return the calls promptly,” Yoshioka said. He also said information will be posted on the DTS website at www1.honolulu.gov/dts.
(For bus-related concerns, call TheBus at 848-5555 daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. or go to TheBus.org.)
However, the 768-8305 number will not be staffed Nov. 11-13, Yoshioka said.
Instead, look for updates to be provided to the news media; via the city’s emergency email and text messaging system known as Nixle (local.nixle.com/city/hi/honolulu); or via Twitter and Facebook.
The Star-Advertiser will post updated information on its APEC page at staradvertiser.com (click on “APEC 2011” on the top left). You can also check the city’s website at www1.honolulu.gov/mayor/apec.
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Question: Despite having read several news articles and notices regarding APEC traffic patterns, parking rules and security information, I am still uncertain whether Ala Moana Park and Magic Island will be open for public use. Will we still be able to go there?
Answer: The Honolulu Police Department will be putting out a news release clarifying what the restrictions will be at various parks later this week.
But for Ala Moana/Magic Island, we’re told that pedestrians will be allowed to enter the park as long as they stay out of clearly designated restricted areas.
However, no civilian vehicles will be allowed in from the time the park closes at 10 p.m. Sunday until Nov. 14, according to HPD.
Mahalo
To John Velke, a recent Alabama transplant to Hawaii, who rescued five ladies in distress on Oct. 7. We were on the way to Heeia Small Boat Harbor when a tire blew out. Without hesitation, John replaced the damaged tire with the spare. Thanks to him and his well-mannered dog, Tux, we were able to continue on to enjoy our lunch. With heartfelt gratitude. — Linda, Kathy, Margaret, Thelma and Pam
Auwe
To the driver of the white Lexus SUV who jerked his car in front of me too close, cutting me off and proceeding to take the Kunia offramp. You’re not supposed to handle SUVs, much less any other vehicle, that way.
— Another White Car
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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 email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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