Question: Since the number of vehicle occupants required to use the Zipper Lane was decreased, it’s getting crowded and dangerous. Automobiles and motorcycles have been putting others in danger by passing others when it’s crowded at the wider areas like after the H-1 and H-2 merge. What is the law regarding passing in the Zipper Lane, and can anything be done before someone is injured or killed?
Answer: Passing in the Zipper Lane is illegal.
“The Zipper Lane is considered a single lane,” and thus no passing is allowed, said Capt. Andrew Lum, spokesman for the Honolulu Police Department.
Regarding enforcement, Lum explained that Traffic Division officers do monitor traffic in the Zipper Lane, but primarily for the number of occupants in the vehicles.
That’s because “it is very difficult to do enforcement actions in the Zipper Lane unless the officers are driving in the lane and see the violation committed,” he said.
The problem is that when officers are driving in the Zipper Lane, “people drive lawfully,” he said. “So enforcement of ‘no passing’ in the Zipper Lane is not an easy task.”
There were no specific figures as to how many motorists may have been cited for illegal lane changes in the Zipper Lane.
Enforcement of illegal lane changes are not tallied according to location, Lum said, so using research statistics, “we can only reference the violation type.”
In 2012, HPD issued 206 citations for lane change violations all over the island.
Question: It has been wet and damp in the Kaneohe area, and there have been more mosquitos. As I was taking down the Christmas tree recently, I noticed mosquito larvae in the water in the tree stand. For next Christmas, is there anything I can put in the water to prevent mosquitos from breeding? Is there a solution? I’m sure other people would be interested in the answer as well.
Answer: Pingjun Yang, an entomologist with the state Department of Health, says the mosquito species breeding in Christmas tree stands most likely is the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
This species likes artificial containers and clean water, he said.
His suggestion is to put several drops of cooking oil or soapy water (1 tablespoon of liquid soap to 1 gallon of water) to kill the mosquito larvae.
But better than that, he says he thinks the best way to deal with the problem is to cover the tree container holding the water using paper or cloth to prevent adult mosquitoes from “ovipositing their eggs.”
Mahalo
To such companies as Walmart and the Navy Exchange for providing Family Rooms for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. I realize that not all establishments can provide such facilities, so I thank the public for their understanding when they see me with my spouse in the men’s restroom. Unfortunately, my spouse needs assistance using the facility. I appreciate your understanding. — Richard Wong
Mahalo
To whoever is responsible for the LED light signage on TheBus, making the route signs easy to read, even at a distance. They’re great. In the mornings and afternoons, with the sun behind the buses, it is impossible to read the old route signs. — Mililani senior bus rider
Mahalo
To Kalei. I was waiting at the checkout line at Kapolei’s Walmart on Dec. 21 when the person in front of me turned around and said he’d like to pay for my items “in the spirit of Christmas.” I was amazed by his generosity and impressed by his sincerity and humility. When asked, he said his name was Kalei. A big mahalo, Kalei, and know that your kindness will be paid forward. — Grateful in Kapolei
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