Best to have phone service to call 911 from a land line

Question: Is there any requirement for telephone service providers to provide a dial tone to be able to access 911 service? I don’t need regular phone service, but would like to be able to make a 911 call in an emergency. Hawaiian Telcom advises that I have to pay for phone service to get the dial tone to call 911.

Answer: There is no federal requirement that a discontinued land-line phone be able to provide 911 emergency access.

Neither is there a state requirement, especially from the state Public Utilities Commission, that land-line providers have to give access to 911 when you’re not a customer, said Rich VanDrunen, an engineer with the PUC.

He explained that the PUC is concerned about the arrangement between utility companies and their customers: “If you don’t have phone service, you’re not a customer.”

In the past, Hawaiian Telcom “routinely put disconnected lines in Express Dialtone mode,” said spokes­woman Ann Nishida Fry. That allowed customers to establish new service simply by plugging in a phone and dialing a company number, such as 611.

Express Dialtone also allowed customers to call 911 without a dial tone, Nishida Fry said.

In today’s competitive market, “with many other communication providers and emerging technologies,” she said making Express Dialtone available on disconnected lines is “less practical.”

“However, in most cases, Hawaiian Telcom will provide (Express Dialtone) on disconnected lines, which may remain active for up to a year or until facilities or equipment are needed,” she said. But, “to ensure regular, reliable access to 911, it’s recommended that customers pay for phone service.”

Meanwhile, it’s a different situation for cellphone/wireless service providers.

The Federal Communications Commission says its basic 911 rules require wireless service providers to transmit calls to a Public Safety Answering Point, regardless of whether the caller subscribes to the provider’s service.

That means if your cellphone is charged and can receive a signal, even if it is not activated with a service provider, it should be able to let you make a 911 call.

Question: Are you allowed to make a left turn on red at an intersection of two one-way streets? For example, mauka-bound on Piikoi Street at the intersection with Beretania Street. There is no sign saying that you can’t turn left onto Beretania on a red light.

Answer: Yes, you are allowed to turn left from a one-way street that intersects with another one-way street, with traffic heading left, on a red light, unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting it.
You are required to yield the right of way to any pedestrian.

See Section 291C-32(3)(c) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes: is.gd/voZfPf.

MAHALO

Belatedly, to passers-by, the Saca­tro­pez family, longtime neighbor Mrs. Higa­shi, a gentleman whose name I was unable to obtain and anyone else I’ve failed to mention for helping my mother, Hazel Shimoda, after she fell in her front yard in Pearl City on Feb. 9. I was on my way to meet her for dinner, unaware of the situation, when these caring people stopped to render aid and call 911. Mahalo also to the firefighters and EMS personnel who responded. As a result, Mom received prompt medical treatment and is on the road to recovery. The aloha spirit is alive and well in Hawaii! Much mahalo to everyone for your efforts, concern and kindness. — Kerwin Shi­moda

AUWE

To the person who stole the umbrella from my bag placed next to the ATM machine (at) the Bank of Hawaii’s Kalihi branch on March 8. Shame on you! That was my only protection from the rain and sun. — No name

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