Question: I think there’s a way to help police enforce violations of the disabled-parking laws without calling 911, but I don’t recall the details. Can you find out?
Answer: You might be referring to the Honolulu Police Department’s Disabled Parking Enforcement program, which relies on volunteers to help ensure that accessible spaces reserved for people with disability parking permits are available to them and not clogged by others.
The program comprises volunteer special enforcement officers who are trained and work under the direct supervision of a sergeant, according to the HPD website. HPD provides free uniforms and equipment for the volunteers, who patrol near their homes, get paid mileage and work flexible schedules of 20 hours a month each (or five hours a week).
Volunteers must meet the qualifications for a special police commission, including completing a verbal interview and passing a criminal history and background check. Volunteers must be U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old, reside on Oahu, hold a valid Hawaii driver’s license and have graduated from high school (or earned a GED).
If you would like more information or are ready to sign up, call 723-3412.
We’ll also take this opportunity to mention that some people who are entitled to use these parking spaces don’t always appear to suffer from a limiting condition; they might qualify for the disability parking permit because they have a respiratory or cardiac condition that prevents them from walking far, for example.
Also, the permit is issued to a person, not a vehicle, although a vehicle is where the permit is visible. The permit holder may be the driver of the vehicle or a passenger.
A vehicle parked in such a spot should have a disability permit placard hanging from the rearview mirror, or a special license plate. Violations are among the infractions the volunteer officers enforce.
Q: It’s wonderful that the parks director listened to the public, but what happens when this issue (alcohol in public parks) comes up again?
A: There would be another public hearing, with people able to testify for or against any renewed or revised proposal in person, by mail or by email. The public would get at least 30 days’ notice before the hearing, as was done prior to the Jan. 8 hearing that provoked more opposition than support for proposed Department of Parks and Recreation administrative rules that would have allowed alcohol to be served at private events at Queen’s Beach up to four times a year.
DPR declined to adopt the proposed rules Jan. 28, after considering 62 pieces of testimony, 51 of which opposed the proposal and 11 of which supported it, according to a statement at the time from DPR Director Michele Nekota.
“After reviewing all the testimony, DPR has decided not to go forward with the rules as drafted at this time,” Nekota said, who noted that another public hearing would be held “should the department take up the issue again in the future.”
Mahalo
In late December I collapsed at a Kaimuki hamburger stand. Customers immediately called 911; a kind gentleman brought out a chair from his truck for me to sit on; a staffer from my sister-in-law’s doctor’s office was there and tried to help however she could. The police who took care of me were so kind and understanding, as was the ambulance team. I wish I could name everyone but want them all to know I’m just fine and am so grateful for all they did. Mahalo to all of you and to those I haven’t mentioned. I will never forget your caring. — Ann
Mahalo
I would like to extend my gratitude to Scandy Rekis for assisting us when we had a flat tire during evening rush hour. My co-worker pulled over to a safe spot, and as she took out the jack, Mr. Rekis pulled over to help. It was a complicated matter that required a tow truck and turned into a three-hour wait in the dark. Despite this, Mr. Rekis remained with us until the tow truck arrived, and he refused all offers of monetary payment. His thoughtfulness will forever be appreciated. — Grateful in Ewa Beach
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.
