Licenses and IDs can now fit longer names

Hawaii driver’s licenses now have expanded character limits to accommodate longer names, according to state transportation officials.

The licenses and state ID cards now provide space for names with 120 characters — 40 for the last name, 40 for the first, 35 for the middle, and five for the suffix, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The move follows new requirements for state-issued driver’s licenses to prove "legal presence," confirming a person is either a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to be in the U.S., that took effect in Hawaii in 2012 to comply with the federal Real ID ACT, according to the DOT.

For more details visit hidot.hawaii.gov/hawaiis-legal-presence-law/.

Citizens Police Academy applicants sought

The Honolulu Police Department is accepting applications for its popular Citizens Police Academy through Dec. 2.

The program will begin in early February and run through mid-April. Classes are held every Thursday evening at the Alapai Street headquarters and on two Saturdays at the police academy in Waipahu. Applicants must pass a background check before enrollment.

The CPA is an 11-week program created to promote understanding and public-police interaction by educating citizens about HPD policies and operations, the criminal justice system, and ways to prevent and reduce crime. Topics covered include criminal investigation, evidence recovery, narcotics, SWAT, firearms training and police vehicle operation.

Since HPD held its first CPA classes in 1994, more than 500 people have completed the program.

For more information on the CPA and other HPD programs, contact the Community Affairs Division at 723-3475. Application forms are available at www.honolulupd.org.

Trades council backs Martin’s re-election

The Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council last week endorsed Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin in his bid for re-election to the Council District II seat.

The trades council is made up of 12 construction and trade unions that represent about 15,000 workers statewide.

Martin was elected to his first four-year term in 2010.

Reginald Castanares, president of the trades council, said, "Ernie is committed to keeping our economy moving forward and creating jobs for Hawaii’s people."