Electric cars free from fees at state airport parking lots

The state Department of Transportation no longer is charging electric vehicle owners for parking longer than 24 hours at a time at Honolulu Airport.

What that may mean for other state or county lots is not certain.

In the July 10 Kokua Line — is.gd/uOGPzy — the department said the Legislature last year amended the law dealing with electric vehicle parking fees, allowing state airports to charge for parking beyond 24 hours. The department began doing so on July 1.

Shortly after, Honolulu resident Dale Podoll challenged the new charge on grounds that it conflicted with the law exempting vehicles with “EV” license plates from paying parking fees.

After consulting with the state Attorney General’s Office, the department told him last week that he would receive a refund. Podoll alerted Kokua Line to the reversal.

As we reported earlier, an electric vehicle, with an EV license plate, is allowed to park for free at state or county parking lots or metered stalls with these exceptions: while parked at a charging station; while parked for more than 21⁄2 hours at a meter or the maximum amount of time allowed, whichever is longer; while parked for longer than one 24-hour day, including under weekly, monthly or annual parking permits.

Transportation spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter had said that meant, “At the airport, electric vehicles get the first 24 hours free and then have to pay the regular rate.”

Asked about Podoll’s challenge, Sluyter said that after consulting with the Attorney General’s office, the department was advised that the legislative intent was that electric vehicles should not be charged for parking in public lots.

“A refund will be issued through our parking concessionaire” and posted signs will be changed, Sluyter said.

She also said anyone else with an electric vehicle and a receipt showing the paid parking fees after the first 24 hours at Honolulu Airport also is entitled to a refund.

What that means for other state or county parking lots that offer long-term parking is not certain. Sluyter said the department had asked only for clarification regarding airport fees.

Asked about the opinion and its reach, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office deferred to the department, saying opinions are a matter of attorney-client privilege.

Question: Is a learner’s permit for a driver’s license acceptable as state ID for travel on airplanes? My 22-year-old son’s state ID is going to expire and he doesn’t have his driver’s license yet. He had to provide all the documents, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, to get the permit. I looked online at the TSA website for requirements at security checkpoints and it says that a government-issued ID should be OK, but I don’t know if that includes a learner’s permit.

Answer: If it’s a photo ID issued by the driver’s licensing office, it would be accepted, according to a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration.

Since the learner’s permit has a photo, it meets the TSA’s requirements.

MAHALO

To the kind gentleman who came to my husband’s aid near Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center last month. My husband experienced a “senior moment” and couldn’t remember where he parked his car. With all that walking, he was about to collapse and you held on to him and led him to a bench. Your wife and children were with you and yet you took the time to look for his car using the remote. Unsuccessful, you called security. I was touched by your kindness when my husband told me what happened. And mahalo to the security guard for driving my husband around and eventually locating his car. To both of you, we sincerely appreciate your time and effort.
— Grateful Senior Citizens

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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.