Certain areas of Pier 38, 39 are restricted for security

Question: About 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4, I went to Pier 38 to pass some time until I picked up my wife in Chinatown. I visit Pier 38 frequently to have lunch at Nico’s or Uncle’s or just stroll the piers and enjoy the boats and sights. That day I did not plan on patronizing any of the businesses. I noticed a tug maneuvering to pick up a barge at Pier 39 and decided to stop and watch the operation. I pulled into the parking area designated for Nico’s and Uncle’s customers not intending to park or get out of the car. Shortly thereafter a private security guard approached and told me I could not stay there since it is reserved and I would have to leave. The lot was practically empty. I went to the end of the pier where other cars were parked so I could continue to watch the barge pick up its tow. Unbeknownst to me, she followed and again approached my car and lectured me that if I did not have specific business in the area I was trespassing and to “move on,” which I did. Did she have the right to accuse me of trespassing and expel me from the area just because I did not intend to patronize any of the businesses at that time?

Answer: The problem was that you were not in the area designated for public parking, according to the state Department of Transportation.

We pointed out that you said you were parked in the area designated for restaurant patrons, but were told that the guard had approached you at both ends of Pier 38, where parking is prohibited.

Because of that, the private guard did have the authority to order you out. According to DOT spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter, area businesses hire private guards to provide security during the day, while state harbor police patrol the area at night.

The state leases land at Pier 38 to the private businesses as part of the “Fishing Village.”

“We apologize to your reader who had an unpleasant experience,” Sluyter said. The public is welcome “to enjoy the businesses, restaurants and views there,” including to “walk around,” she said, adding, “Just park in the designated spots (and) you’re fine.”

But she emphasized that the area is a commercial fishing pier. That, plus concern about harbor security, means there are sections where the public is not allowed.

In this case, the off-limit areas are near the gas barge on the mauka end of Pier 38 and another area on Pier 39 for loading and unloading fish, Sluyter said. Officials especially are cautious of people wanting to watch or photograph the gas barge.

Sluyter said there also have been problems with such activities as illegal dumping and drinking.

Question: I have secured my state ID card and recently renewed my driver’s license. I am a senior citizen and will have to renew my driver’s license in two years. When I renew it, is it required that I provide all the same documents again?

Answer: No, but it’s best you keep all the documents handy because under current federal guidelines, you will have to provide them upon your second renewal.

In your case, that would be in four years. For most people — those 25 to 71 years old who are able to get eight-year licenses — the documents would have to be resubmitted in 16 years.

As we explained previously — http://is.gd/phrlOy — licensing administrators across the country have told the Department of Homeland Security that the requirement doesn’t make sense.

Honolulu’s licensing administrator, Dennis Kamimura, says he is still “hopeful that this rule will be abolished.”

MAHALO

To all those who helped me when I had a flat tire along Kipapa Gulch in a very dangerous spot on Dec. 4.

An unknown female in a big white van stopped and asked if I was all right. Also, HPD Sgt. Mau, Officer Bascar and Officer Miller helped to change my tire. Now I know there are some very good
police officers around. — J. Nakagawa

_____

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.