Question: I was caught speeding and was issued a citation; that was my bad. The officer explained that I could pay it in person, by snail mail or online. I chose the online option only to learn that it could take up to 13 days for the ticket to be picked up online. It has been 13 days, still not online. I have 21 days to pay the fine. My question: Why does it take so long for the ticket to appear online? It makes no sense if it must be paid in 21 days but could take as long as 13 days before you even have the opportunity. What is the cause of the delay?
Answer: Jan Kagehiro, a spokeswoman for the state Judiciary, explained how the process works and how motorists can speed up their payments:
“Police officers have 10 calendar days to file the citations with the courts after issuing a citation. … Because the citations are handwritten, it may take some time to validate them before they are scanned and manually entered into the system. Once in the system, the motorist may pay online. A motorist may also call any District courthouse to see if the citation has been submitted by the police, but is not yet online. If the citation has been submitted, the staff can upload it and the motorist will be able to pay online.
“The motorist does not automatically have more time to pay if the citation is not online within 21 days. However, the information on the back of all citations tells them how to pay in person or by mail.
“They can pay for their ticket in person by bringing the citation to any District courthouse, even on the same day they got it. Court staff will enter the citation into the system, regardless of whether the officer has filed the ticket with the court or not. They can pay by check, money order, credit card, or cash. … Never send cash by mail.
“Sending payments by certified or registered mail will enable motorists to track the payment through the U.S. Postal Service, but using certified or registered mail is not required.
“The Judiciary recommends motorists always keep copies of their citations and any payment receipts for their records.”
Q: Are they really closing the Pearl City bike path?
A: Yes, but only a section of it, and only temporarily, so that crews can clean it up. The city will close Neal S. Blaisdell Park and the Pearl Harbor Bike Path from Lehua Avenue to Waimalu Stream for maintenance and restoration work Aug. 7-31, according to a news release from the mayor’s office.
The Navy has granted an easement that allows the city to manage a large section of the bike path from now on, freeing the municipal government to enforce city ordinances aimed at keeping public areas accessible to the public. Many places on Oahu, including along the bike path, are or have been obstructed by homeless people’s tents and other belongings.
Auwe
One hundred percent of locals know how to pronounce the name Kono. It’s not pronounced Khaano or Caano. Also, futon is not pronounced fu-thaan, it’s pronounced fu-tone. The sam in samurai is not pronounced like Samuel. It’s more like the sam in Samoan. So goodbye to you fake locals on the current “Hawaii Five-0.” The Jack Lord series had it right. — A local who cares
Mahalo
On July 22, while entering Marukai at the Dillingham location, I felt dizzy and needed to sit down and was unresponsive for a few minutes. My daughter called 911, and while waiting for an ambulance, three people assisted her by coming to my aid. A worker, security guard and a woman provided water, paper napkins and assistance. My daughter was not able to get their names. Thank you all for your generous help. May you have many blessings! — A senior shopper
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.
