Question: Please find out about the traffic-control structure that has been installed at the right side of the offramp from Moanalua Freeway (Highway 78) westbound and the offramp from H-3. It is located between the bus stop and Halawa Valley Street. Ever since it was installed, traffic backs up on the offramps in the morning because right-hand turns on Halawa Valley Street have been restricted to the green light. I am in favor of traffic-control devices that improve the safety of Hawaii’s roads. However, this device has made a busy area even more dangerous and congested than before, with no observable improvement from the change. Any light you can shed is greatly appreciated.
Answer: The white poles on bases are called delineators, and were installed at the intersection of the Moanalua Freeway Stadium/Halawa Offramp (Exit 1E) and Halawa Valley Street to discourage vehicles from illegally using the bus bay as a right-turn lane, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Information specialist Meghan Small explained that the DOT did consider converting the bus bay into a right-turn lane. However, upon investigation that idea was found not feasible because larger vehicles could not negotiate the right turn and would obstruct traffic by getting stuck or having to reverse, she said.
She said delineators were originally installed in 1996 and have been replaced over the years as needed.
Q: Retrieving one’s car by valet is typically done by submitting a claim ticket with any parking fee to the valet desk, and an optional tip to the valet upon receiving one’s car. This used to be the case at Hawaii Prince Court Hotel. However, on Aug. 18, the valet desk (outside the hotel) took my claim ticket to retrieve my car and told me to take the remaining stub and pay the $6 valet parking fee at the front desk (inside the hotel). This required that I stand in line for the next available agent, together with registering hotel guests and others needing help at the front desk, just to pay the valet parking fee I incurred for dining there. This is needlessly time-consuming and inconvenient for restaurant or banquet patrons. What prompted this change in payment procedure for valet parking? Surely there must be a better solution to address any possible issue.
A: The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki has temporarily modified its valet procedures, according to a spokeswoman, who did not specify what prompted the changes. However, she did reassure that “guests and patrons can look forward to a convenient automated payment solution in the coming weeks.” Valet attendants will work as usual — parking and retrieving cars — but the pay stand will be automated.
In the meantime, the hotel has added a dedicated parking cashier to alleviate wait times during peak event and restaurant periods, a recent staffing decision unrelated to your complaint, the spokeswoman said.
Auwe
Auwe to the person who robbed our car, which we’re sure we had locked, while we were grocery shopping in Pearl City. My husband and I had stored items we had just purchased from one store before continuing our shopping at two adjacent stores. Some of the stolen items were in my favorite green and white Trader Joe’s bag, which also was taken.
Mahalo
To the gentleman who paid for my breakfast several weeks ago at the Stadium McDonald’s drive-thru: a very warm and sincere mahalo to you. You see, I had no money, but I wanted to treat my son to breakfast to somehow lift the clouds of depression. I was going to charge it. With your act of kindness, I didn’t have to. There was enough to also buy me a breakfast item. My son and I promise to “pass it on” one day soon in memory of your kindness. May the Lord bless your life as you so freely give of yourself. —Just a mom, B-29
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; fax529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
