Question: When is the section of Kapolei Parkway across from Costco set to open? It is such a small section, but much needed and finally completed. I am wondering why there was such a long delay in completing it, and now that it is completed, why is there such a long delay in opening it for use? Seems like all the open roads surrounding Kapolei Parkway are "roads to nowhere."

Question: Is there a date for the new Kapolei Parkway extension to open?

Answer: While the Kapolei Parkway "extension" may look completed, work is ongoing.

The targeted opening date had been August, but because of recent rain delays, plus a "minor delay" involving the electrical connection to street lights, the opening of the project known as Urban Core 4A is now tentatively set for September, said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.

He explained that Kapolei Parkway is fully constructed from Kamokila Boulevard to a portion just short of the Kamaaha Street intersection. That project was known as Urban Core 5A.

The department is constructing the intersection of Kapolei Parkway and Kamaaha Street and the remaining connection to Kamaaha Street (Urban Core 4A).

"Once Urban Core 4A is completed, the city will open the entire length of Kapolei Parkway," Formby said.

Work on Urban Core 5A began in November 2012 and was completed in January. Work on Urban Core 4A began in December.

"The offset in timing was due to the need for federal classification of Kamaaha Street before federal funds could be allotted," Formby said.

The combined cost of both projects is approximately $13 million.

Question: I recently saw a vehicle with a license plate that said "GOV 037" with a six-pointed emblem between the letters and numbers. There also was "Marshal" and "The Polynesian Kingdom" written on the plate, and on the door of the truck was a decal that said, "Federated Polynesian Republic of Tonga." Is this an "exempt" plate such as a diplomatic mission (consular) plate? Is this plate legitimate for operating a motor vehicle in Hawaii? I also noted this vehicle had a current safety inspection sticker but no indication of registration, which requires payment of fees. If this is not a legitimately registered and licensed vehicle, what privilege allows the operator of this vehicle to do so without paying their fair share of our road usage fees? Is this a traffic offense that I should call 911 and report to HPD?

Answer: As you suspected, the license plate is not a legitimate one issued by the city.

This appears to be issued by one of several sovereignty groups that have established or are trying to establish their own government, said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the Department of Customer Services.

She said the Honolulu Police Department would be able to cite these unregistered vehicles on public roadways.

"They will also not have a safety inspection sticker, so they would be ticketed for that as well,"Kajiwara said. "The city has been dealing with these attempts to refuse to pay and register vehicles by these groups."

The Honolulu Police Department said officers are citing owners of vehicles with these illegal plates when they see them.

The owners also may be cited for expired registration and safety inspection, or driving without a license, where applicable, said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu.

If you see a parked vehicle with these plates, you can call 911, and an officer can be sent to check, she said.

Mahalo

To the city pothole crew who repaired potholes on Pacific Heights Road in a very timely fashion. Also, mahalo to the man who made a follow-up call. That 24-hour pothole reporting number really works!

— Grateful Resident

To report potholes on city streets, call 768-7777 or go to www.honolulu.gov/dfm/pothole.htm.

On state roadways, call 536-7852.

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.