Posted on: Thursday, August 5, 2004

BUREAUCRACY BUSTER

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. The bike lanes along Kalaniana'ole Highway are strewn with gravel washed off the deteriorating road surface and with glass from beer bottles. Does the state own anything like a street sweeper? Or are cyclists expected to endure this?

A. State Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa said that a street sweeper usually is sent to the area every five weeks but that the schedule has not been consistent lately because of the number of roads that need cleaning and limited staff and budget.

However, he said the department will respond to reports of debris on the highways or other problems. People can report problems to the highway complaint hotline at 831-6714.

Q. What is the law about bicycles riding on the street versus the sidewalk? Should they be facing traffic or riding with it?

A. Sgt. Clyde Yamashiro of the Honolulu police traffic division said state and city laws generally call for bicycles to travel on roads, to move in the same direction as traffic and obey traffic laws that would apply to a car. Yamashiro said state and city laws generally prohibit riding a bicycle on sidewalks in business districts, but allow it in residential areas.

Q. I am in the process of purchasing a home that has a hollow tile wall built alongside. I do not know yet whose wall it is but there are holes in the wall that allow the neighbor's rainwater to drain into the property I am purchasing. Can you tell me if there is any law or regulation that allows me to plug up the holes so the rainwater does not flood my property?

A. City officials said the first step is to determine who owns the wall. That would likely be something that your real estate agent could tell you by checking the property lines, said Vicki Borges, executive assistant in the mayor's office.

If the wall is on your property, Borges suggested that you call the city Department of Planning and Permitting at 523-4505 to determine whether you can plug the holes. Because such an action would fall under the classification of repairs or improvements, Borges said it may require a permit or it might not be allowed.

If the wall belongs to the neighbor, she suggested discussing any flooding concerns you might have and try to arrive at a solution that works for both of you.