Question: We all hear about vehicle breakdowns on the H-1 freeway during the morning commute. Has anyone ever analyzed the causes? I’d be interested, for example, in what percent are caused by running out of gas, a flat tire, an overheated engine, etc.
Answer: The state Department of Transportation doesn’t have a percentage breakdown, but it does tally the major reasons for traffic slowdowns — including accidents — on the H-1 and H-2 freeways and Moanalua Freeway for the past year.
Data from the DOT’s Freeway Service Patrol for the 12-month period ending March 31 show it provided assistance for the following reasons:
» Flat tire: 1,737 times.
» Out of gas: 1,120.
» Accident: 938.
» Overheating: 524.
» Abandoned vehicle: 449.
» Battery jump: 198.
» Debris removal: 157.
The Freeway Service Patrol also helped with traffic control 1,024 times in that period, said DOT spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter.
"For example, when the dogs were loose on the freeway (on April 11), FSP positions their trucks with the flashing arrows to alert drivers of upcoming closure," she said.
The Freeway Service Patrol covers about 23 miles of freeway in both directions: a 15.8-mile stretch along the H-1, from Kunia Road to University Avenue; a 4.8-mile stretch of the H-201 Moana-lua Freeway; and 2.1 miles of the H-2 from the H-1/H-2 interchange to Ka Uka Boulevard.
The patrol provides free emergency roadside service to help keep traffic from backing up. It will tow vehicles, if needed, to an off-freeway location or away from traffic, but it will not tow it to a home or repair shop.
Question: The municipal parking lot on Likini Street, a half-block from Ala Napunani Street in Salt Lake, has a really weird sign that basically indicates parking is only 10 cents for 12 hours. A green sign says, "12 HR Parking. Enforced 24 HRS Daily. No Exceptions." Below that a red sign says, "Rate $0.10/12 HR Compact Only." Is parking really that cheap there?
Answer: It’s cheap but not that cheap.
The rate, by city ordinance, is 10 cents an hour for a maximum 12 hours for the majority of stalls in the lot. For the rest it’s 50 cents an hour for two hours.
We explained previously — see is.gd/90blTo — that the lot was built more than 20 years ago to provide convenient and cheap off-street parking for the densely populated Salt Lake neighborhood.
According to a copy of a 1988 City Council resolution provided by Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services, the city entered into an agreement with developer Lakeside Development Inc. in which the city would release its interest in a public easement. In return Lakeside would, among other things, provide a public parking lot and maintain a park area.
There are 163 stalls in the lot, and 157 of them are metered.
The majority of the stalls — compact-sized and available at the 10-cent-an-hour rate — are meant for long-term parking for residents.
The stalls facing Likini Street are standard-sized and assessed the higher parking rate for short-term visitors.
"The two-hour stalls were intended to ensure short-term parking in the event the long-term stalls were all occupied," he said.
"One of the concerns with all 12-hour parking lots is that the community, depending on usage, may not have access to short-term parking."
He acknowledged that if a 12-hour parking stall were available, "a customer would be more inclined to park there and pay a reduced rate."
There’s nothing prohibiting that.
Mahalo
To the good Samaritan who turned in my Honda car keys to the Waikiki Fire Station on March 23. Your act of kindness is truly appreciated. –Joan
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.
