Question: Who runs the parking lot at Hanauma Bay? I recently took friends visiting from the mainland there, and after settling in on the beach, we realized the kids had forgotten some things at home. I live close by, so I left to get them.
When I returned, a sign was up at the top entrance indicating the parking lot was full. I explained what happened and the guy let me in.
When I got to the parking lot, there were several open spaces. But I was told I couldn’t park because they had to wait until there were 15 empty spaces before letting people in. I again explained that I had already been there and had the readmit stamp, but was told to go back up and wait. The guys there let me wait inside the cones. After 25 minutes I was allowed back down, where I discovered there were more than 15 empty spaces.
This whole experience was just so frustrating because I had the readmit stamp and there were many available spaces. The idea that no one can go in until 15 spaces are open seems so arbitrary. What exactly is the policy?
Answer: The reason for the 15-empty-stall policy at Hanauma Bay is to prevent a traffic jam on Kalanianaole Highway.
However, we agree it doesn’t make sense that you weren’t allowed to park when you had a readmit stamp and were allowed to go down to the lot.
Asked specifically about your situation, we were told the manager at Hanauma Bay would discuss the policy with the contractor.
"The rules are in place for a reason, and we want to be sure to follow them, but we also want to be reasonable in handling unusual situations like this," acknowledged Jon Hennington, spokesman for the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
Asked about what the readmit stamp means, he said it is to prevent the driver being charged again, since parking is for the day and not hourly.
Hennington explained that city employees collect the parking fees, but a contractor, American Guard Services, provides security for the parking lot.
When all 300 or so stalls fill up, the lot is closed at the main entrance on Kalanianaole Highway until approximately 15 spaces are empty.
"This staggered-entry approach was implemented to avoid causing traffic backups on Kalanianaole Highway," Hennington said.
Previously, cars were allowed to enter the main entrance, then wait for an open stall — parking one at a time as parked cars departed.
However, that resulted in vehicles quickly backing up to the entrance and beyond, causing traffic snarls on the highway, Hennington said.
That said, "We appreciate it when park patrons contact us to let us know about situations like this so that we can improve how we handle this type of thing."
Question: Is it legal or illegal to drive a golf cart on a public road?
Answer: It is illegal.
We explained previously that golf carts, as well as all-terrain vehicles, are not supposed to be on public roads because they are manufactured for off-road use and cannot be legally registered and issued a license plate.
See bit.ly/1EZA09c for more information.
Mahalo
To all the people who came to my aid when my leg gave way at Kahala Mall. I will never forget your kindness and the comfort you gave me. I didn’t get names, as I knew I would never remember them, but your faces are so present in my mind’s eye: first, a gentle, soft-spoken woman, then a kind gentleman who was able to stay until the paramedics arrived, and a bighearted, off-duty firefighter from the Hawaii Kai station.Two young gentlemen from mall security also did what they could to help. Finally, the two Emergency Medical Services men who transported me to the hospital were amazing in every way.
It turned out that I had a femur fracture from too-long use of a certain medication. The healing has been slow but steady. Thank you again for all you did and for who you are! — Judy from Aina Haina
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.
