Question: Are skateboarding and bicycling allowed on the Makapuu Lighthouse trail? We were practically mowed down by a group a skateboarders whizzing down as we rounded a turn walking up the other day. Then, later, as we were walking down, a bicyclist sped by! This is dangerous on such a heavily used trail.
Answer: No and yes. Signage at the trail-head specifically prohibits skateboarding (and rollerblading), but allows bicycling, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, which oversees the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail on Oahu’s southeastern coast.
We’ve heard from multiple readers over the past few months reporting near-misses with skateboarders coming down the hill, especially around turns and near lookouts where walkers tend to rest as they take in the view. One mother said she grabbed her child’s stroller out of the way moments before a speedy skateboarder claimed the space — barely avoiding a collision.
The 2-mile (round trip) trail is extremely popular, with a 500-foot rise in elevation that offers spectacular ocean views. The trail, although generally hot and dry, is paved nearly all the way to the top, attracting walkers of all ages and varying levels of fitness — as well as users on wheels who appreciate the smooth ride. Such a mix of users inevitably leads to some conflict, but the skateboarders and roller-skaters should not be there at all.
As for the bicyclists, a DLNR spokesman said employees are noticing more of them speeding down the trail and discourage such behavior; bicyclists should be cautious of pedestrians at all times, he said.
To answer another reader’s question, yes, dogs on leashes are allowed (not unleashed, though) and owners must pick up after them, which means carrying bags of excrement all the way off the trail and disposing of them properly in garbage cans. We’ve gotten complaints recently about people tying bags of waste to shrubs or bushes along the trail.
Finally, an “auwe” from a reader who said he walks the trail weekly:
Auwe
The Makapuu trail can be a tranquil respite on this busy island, even when dozens of people are walking up (or down) at the same time — quietly. What ruins it is those inconsiderate few who think everyone wants to listen to whatever they’re listening to! One person with their cellphone music on full blast ruins the solitude for everyone. This is what headphones are for. Use them! Or, better yet, maybe try experiencing the exercise and the views with no distractions, just you and your own thoughts. — Craving quiet
Q: Can you make an appointment at the new Downtown Satellite City Hall?
A: Yes, for certain services, including renewals of driver’s licenses and state IDs, which is what most readers ask about. However, when we checked Wednesday, the next available appointment for a driver’s license renewal at that location was Dec. 10.
In general, more appointments for driver’s licenses and state IDs are available at DMV locations, which focus on those services (satellite city halls handle a variety of other tasks).
As of Wednesday, for example, you could make an appointment to renew your driver’s license at the Kapalama licensing center (925 Dillingham Blvd.) in early October.
You can make an appointment at your preferred site online, at alohaq.honolulu.gov/. The Downtown Satellite City Hall is in the Chinatown Gateway Plaza, at 1041 Nuuanu Avenue. It replaces the Fort Street mall location, which closed Aug. 9.
Mahalo
A belated mahalo to the person who returned my ID at the Mililani Recreation Center II pool. It must have fallen out of my towel. You saved me a lot of trouble. — A reader
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.
