BUREAUCRACY BUSTER

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. How are we supposed to know that Honolulu city ordinances require that people park 10 feet from a hydrant? The information is not part of the test to get a Hawai'i State driver's license. It is my understanding that the state test does not include city ordinance questions. And the Hawai'i Driver's Manual that I purchased this year does not mention a 10-foot parking rule. It states parking is prohibited "in front of or so close to a fire hydrant that your vehicle could interfere with the use of the hydrant." How would a driver know there is a city ordinance that supersedes the state law?

A. You raise a good point. That city ordinance information used to be on the test. City motor vehicle and licensing administrator Dennis Kamimura said the test shifted to state-only questions in recent years. Meanwhile, the city ordinance stayed the same and drivers are still responsible for following it even if it isn't in the study guide.

Honolulu police Sgt. Clyde Yamashiro, of the traffic division, said the city ordinance clearly prohibits parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. He said the same ordinance also prohibits parking on a sidewalk or crosswalk; in front of a driveway or within four feet of either side of a driveway; within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; and a number of other restrictions that can be found in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu. He said the ordinances are available at libraries and at www.co.honolulu.hi.us/refs/roh/

So, why doesn't the driver's manual tell you that? State Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said the manual only lists "certain basic state traffic guidelines." He said the book — last published in 2000 — is now being revised and he is suggesting that a more detailed explanation of the role of county ordinances and/or where to find them be included.

Q. My question has to do with the city's ongoing Keolu Drive project, putting in bike lanes and other changes. I understand the project has been scaled back after people protested. I want to know which lines are drivers supposed to follow if the lines aren't complete?

A. Honolulu police Capt. Michael Correa said drivers should follow the old markings until they are replaced. "But be very careful because the partial parking lines can be confusing to other drivers," he said.

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Honolulu, HI 96813

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