Question: I have some questions about the HOV lane on Kalanianaole Highway, if that’s what it’s called. Is the HOV for cars with a minimum of two people? Do you need any kind of a permit? I see all kind of cars in there with what looks like only a driver — unless maybe there’s a baby out of sight in the back — and nobody ever seems to get a ticket. So maybe everyone can use it now? Please tell us the latest rules.
Answer: Not everyone can legally use it. Like other high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on Oahu, the 2.65-mile stretch of Kalanianaole Highway that is coned and contra-flowed westbound from West Halemaumau Street to Ainakoa Avenue from 5 to 8:30 a.m. weekdays is reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, plus motorcyclists and qualified electric vehicles, regardless of vehicle occupancy. No special HOV permit is required for any of them. However, this particular HOV lane also has another exception — for makai residents whose homes lack access to Kalanianaole Highway via a light-signaled intersection, and they do need a permit to use the lane regardless of occupancy. Their HOV placard should be visible in the right corner of the car’s windshield.
Shelly Kunishige, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, provides details about HOV and contra-flow lanes on Oahu, with links to their rules of operation and locations, plus a link to the permit application for affected Kalanianaole Highway makai residents:
“High occupancy vehicle lanes are designed to maximize the people-moving capability of the state highway system and reduce transportation-related pollution by encouraging behaviors such as carpooling and electric-vehicle use. HOV lanes can improve traffic conditions on busy roadways by reducing the number of vehicles in general use lanes and, in the case of contraflow HOV lanes, adding an extra lane in areas with high volume.
“HOV lane use rules are covered in the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 291C (Statewide Traffic Code) and Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 19, Subtitle 4, Chapter 108, available on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website at http://808ne.ws/HOVrules.
“Use of HOV lanes requires two or more occupants in the vehicle during the designated times. A list of lane locations and times of HOV operation is available at 808ne.ws/ HOVlocations.
“Single motorists, with the exception of motorcyclists and qualified electric vehicles, using the Zip lane, HOV, express, or contraflow lanes may be cited by authorities. The penalty for illegal use of the HOV lane can range from $75 to $200.
“Qualified electric vehicles exempt from high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions are those vehicles on which an electric-vehicle license plate is affixed. (See photo.)
“Another exemption from high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions are permitted drivers residing on the eastbound, makai side of Kalanianaole Highway between West Halemaumau Street and Ainakoa Avenue that do not have access to a signalized intersection. A permit may be obtained through the HDOT Traffic Branch. The permit application can be found at 808ne.ws/ HOVpermit.”
Mahalo
We three seniors were surprised Nov. 30 when we stopped for lunch at Eggs ’n Things on Piikoi Street. We noticed a group of SWAT police officers and were so impressed with their demeanor and stature. We thanked them for their service to our community and how much we appreciated how they risk their lives for us. “Thank you, but that’s our job,” was their reply. As they left the restaurant, one of them turned, smiled and waved at us. When we were about to pay our bill, our server said the police paid it for us! We agreed we should have treated them for all they do, but we felt blessed by their action and will surely pay it forward! Our police are our everyday heroes! — Sincerely, Gayle and Walter Ozawa and Mike Takamoto
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