Question: Can you find out who is responsible for erecting the numerous ugly, unnecessary and unfriendly blue "Keep Out — Government Property" signs along Pali Highway? There are five of them along one 300-yard stretch of this beautiful road. Sillier still is the large sign near the tunnels that sits between the northbound and southbound lanes on an inaccessible piece of land that is maybe 2 yards wide by 15 yards long. There are also two signs within a few yards of each other under a tree by the Pauoa intersection with Pali Highway. What purpose do these aggressive signs have that is not served by the discreet "No Parking" signs on several of the same poles? And why Pali Highway rather than other pieces of state-owned land?
Answer: The state Department of Transportation posted the signs "as a visual reminder that these areas are closed to the public," said spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter.
"In the past there have been problems with trespassers and others who have gotten hurt hiking in or near these areas" — even in that seemingly inaccessible area between the roadway, she said.
The signs need to be posted for officers to give written warnings or citations, she added.
The DOT also has an explanation as to why so many signs are needed in a seemingly short span.
"When you are driving by at 45 mph, the signs do seem close together, but if you are walking, 180 feet between signs is not that close," Sluyter said.
Again, she said it comes down to enforcement: A police "officer needs a sign to be posted where a person walking in the area can see it in order to issue a citation."
Question: Is it OK for a private school to use a public park for physical education classes every day? Do they have to pay the city or state? I see this happening every day in Maunawili.
Answer: The city Department of Parks and Recreation says no private school has a permit to use Maunawili Neighborhood Park.
"We issue a permit to Maunawili Elementary School to use Maunawili Neighborhood Park for the entire school year, Monday through Friday during school hours," said retiring parks Director Toni Robinson.
She said private schools are welcome to apply for permits to use city parks. There are no fees for field use permits.
However, the department would not issue a permit to a private school for the same park, times and days when another group already has a permit, Robinson said.
If you have a concern, call the Windward District Office at 233-7300 or email parks@honolulu.gov. Robinson said the department has not received any calls or correspondence about the use of Maunawili Park by private school groups.
An Apology
To the father walking his daughter to Punahou School along Nehoa Street last month. I am so sorry I did not see you crossing Anapuni Street as I was making the left turn through heavy traffic behind another car also turning left. I know why you hit my car in anger as I passed. I also walk the neighborhood and know that there are difficulties for both pedestrians and drivers in dealing with the heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Nehoa Street every morning and afternoon. I just wanted to sincerely apologize and explain that while you may have seen me, I did not see you and would not have made the left turn if I had. — Lady in White Station Wagon
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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.
