Posted on: Thursday, September 9, 2004

City considers delay before raising monthly parking rate

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The City Council may push back monthly rate increases at its eight downtown parking facilities for at least 90 days because adequate notice wasn't given to motorists.

The council in June approved increases in hourly, daily and monthly parking fees to help pay for operation and maintenance of the city's on- and off-street parking. The increases went into effect Sept. 1.

City Council Budget Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi said the city received many complaints about people not being told of the monthly fee increases. The fee at the city's Ali'i Place parking structure, for example, jumped from $155 to $235.

Kobayashi also said the monthly rate for low-income families who park in city lots had been increased incorrectly. These tenants had been paying $40 a month.

She said she wasn't sure who was responsible for the lack of notice, but she introduced a bill yesterday that would require 90-day notice of any monthly fee increase, and repeal the increase for low-income people.

"This bill corrects everything," Kobayashi said. "We're going to delay the increase in the monthly rates for 90 days to give people a chance to adjust to the new rates, and hopefully if we're able to find enough money next year we can lessen the amount of the increase."

Kobayashi added that she didn't feel the delay would have much impact on revenues. The measure would not affect the hourly and daily fee increases.

In the meantime, parking lot vendors have been asked to charge tenants the old rates next month and to credit them the difference paid this month, Kobayashi said.

The city has parking structures at Ali'i Place, Harbor Court, Marin Tower, Kukui Plaza, Hale Pauahi, Harbor Village, Chinatown Gateway and Kekaulike Courtyard.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.