Question: What are the rules regarding turning left into driveways across a contra-flow lane? On Kapiolani Boulevard in the Ala Moana area, a contra-flow lane is set up going Ewa in mornings and Diamond Head in afternoons. I have been on the two-lane side of a contra-flow when a car in front will stop to turn into a driveway across four lanes of traffic. This often backs up traffic on the two-lane side, not to mention being hazardous to the driver attempting to cross four lanes. The intersections along that area of Kapiolani Boulevard are marked “no left turn when coned.” Does that apply to driveways?
Answer: Yes. “No left turn when coned” also means no turning into driveways.
The Honolulu Police Department pointed to Section 15-8.3 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, regarding “obedience to no turn signs,” which says, “Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left or U-turn is permitted, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of any such sign, unless otherwise instructed by a police officer or any other persons authorized to direct, control or regulate the flow of traffic as provided in this code.”
It also says “the turning movements described in Schedule XI,” added to the law in 1987, also are prohibited.
In Schedule XI, left turns are restricted from Kapiolani Boulevard between King Street, near South Street, and Atkinson Drive into any driveway in any direction and from any driveway into Kapiolani Boulevard, in any direction, when coned during morning and afternoon peak traffic hours.
This restriction was established for safety reasons and to expedite traffic flow on Kapiolani Boulevard during the coning period, said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
Question: My husband has a handicapped-parking placard. Is it good in other states, especially California? We go to California a lot to visit family and have often had to park far away, but we don’t want to break any laws.
Answer: There is a reciprocity agreement among all the states that a valid disabled-parking placard will be honored by each state.
Placard holders are advised to check to see what the parking rules/restrictions are within each state.
Unfortunately, there is no central website to do that, said Francine Wai, executive director of the state Disability and Communication Access Board.
For California we did a Google search for “California disabled parking placard privileges” and came up with this website: www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs%2Fbrochures/fast_facts/ffvr07.htm. It outlines both privileges and limitations.
MAHALO
To a very kind gentleman, for picking up our breakfast tab at the IHOP Restaurant in Waimalu in back April. I was in awe that a complete stranger would do such a kind deed, and I failed to get his name. I also would like to thank the many other people who hold doors open for us when they see my husband with his walker and me exit and enter a business establishment. I’m so glad there are so many wonderful people who care about us seniors. — Nomuras, Pearl City
MAHALO
To two kind men, especially Andrew Cantero. My two sons and I were driving home from surfing when suddenly our truck leaned right and I heard metal-to-metal on the pavement. We barely pulled off the road to find our tire nearly disconnected from the truck. A minivan behind us pulled right over, and so did a truck. The two drivers stayed with us until the tow truck arrived, then the man from the minivan offered to drive us home. Now here is the most amazing part: A few days later the young man from the minivan, Andrew Cantero, showed up at our doorstep with a note and $200 cash to help us with the cost of getting our truck fixed. He has inspired me tremendously. Our family, which has suffered some financial setbacks lately, is most grateful. One person CAN make a difference in the lives of many! — Anela MacGregor
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.
