QUESTION: I’ve noted for quite some time that the signal lights for pedestrians and vehicles appear to be in conflict at the intersection of Ala Moana Boulevard and Atkinson Drive. I called the state agency apparently responsible weeks ago and was told they would look into the problem. I have heard nothing and the signals continue as is. The problem is that when crossing Atkinson, going Ewa, the signal for vehicles turning right from Ala Moana to Atkinson displays a green arrow. At the same time, the signal for pedestrians to cross is also displayed. This can be confusing to both pedestrians and drivers. When vehicles leave Atkinson to enter or cross Ala Moana and the “no walk” signal is displayed for pedestrians, isn’t that the proper time for the green arrow to be on for vehicles turning right onto Atkinson?
ANSWER: Thanks to your persistence, the “issue” with the arrow lights has been corrected, said Caroline Sluyter, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation.
The arrow lights were changed to regular circular signal lights this week, she said Thursday. Additionally, signage will be installed next week that will read, “Turning Traffic Must Stop for Pedestrians.”
“We thank the public for their patience as we work to resolve this issue,” Sluyter said.
QUESTION: Don’t you need to be licensed to legally marry a couple in Hawaii? Someone told me the answer is no, and they were going into business to perform wedding ceremonies on the beach.
ANSWER: You do have to be licensed by and registered with the state Department of Health to perform marriages in Hawaii.
Section 572-11 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes says, “It shall not be lawful for any person to perform the marriage ceremony within the State without first obtaining from the department of health a license to solemnize marriages.”
Section 572-12 says the license may be issued to “any minister, priest, or officer of any religious denomination or society who has been ordained or is authorized to solemnize marriages according to the usages of such denomination or society, or any religious society not having clergy but providing solemnization in accordance with the rules and customs of that society, or any justice or judge or magistrate, active or retired, of a state or federal court in the State.”
The marriage “officiant” also is required to keep a record of every marriage performed and to report each one to the Health Department within three business days. Information about marriage officiants can be found online at www.hawaii.gov/health/permits/trades/marriage.html.
All new marriage and civil union officiants are required to register online. Anyone who was legally performing marriages in the state prior to 2012 who wants to also perform civil unions is required to apply online to do so. Civil unions became legal in Hawaii on Jan. 1.
MAHALO
To a Mr. Fukunaga, who found our credit card at Manoa Marketplace and took the time to find us and return it. His kindness will always be remembered! — Linda S.K. Dannaway
AUWE
To a thoughtless dog owner. About 8:30 one morning on Kaamilo Street in Aiea, I noticed an older man jogging with his dog. From Kaamilo he turns right on Iliee Street, then puts his right arm down alongside his leg and casually drops a bright pink plastic bag of dog poop onto the roadway, a few feet behind the stop sign. Any car coming up the street is going to run right over the bag, smearing the poop onto the road as well as its tires. I caught up to the man and told him he dropped his dog’s poop. He says, “Yeah, I’m going to pick it up when I circle around again.” Really? Why bother to pick up your dog’s mess if you are just going to fling it around your neighborhood? Beware this loser! — Shocked in Aiea
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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.
