City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/29/11 Thomas Square Survey Sets Park Jurisdiction Boundaries

THOMAS SQUARE SURVEY SETS PARK JURISDICTION BOUNDARIES (Thurs., Dec. 29, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle announced that the City has completed a survey to definitively establish the boundaries of Thomas Square so that they are clear to everyone.  The area within the boundaries will be closed from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am each night, as is the case with most City and County of Honolulu parks. A few people have remained along the edges of the square after closure, as its exact boundaries were not clearly delineated. The survey established that several paths and benches along the square's periphery are within its boundaries, which extend approximately to the sidewalk surrounding the square.  -30- Media contact: Jim Fulton, Mayor's Office, 768-6928.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/29/11 Impaired Driver Checkpoints Continue Into The New Year

Impaired Driver Checkpoints Continue into the New Year  The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) will be conducting impaired driver checkpoints on Oahu throughout the months of January and February.  The checkpoints will be set up at unannounced times and locations from Thursday, December 29, 2011, through Wednesday, February 29, 2012, including (but not limited to) the New Year's, Martin Luther King, President's Day, and Mardi Gras holiday weekends.  The checkpoints are part of the department's ongoing efforts to reduce the number of collisions on our roadways. The HPD is reminding the public not to drink and drive and that the legal drinking age is 21.  Promoting intoxicating liquor to a person under the age of 21 is a misdemeanor punishable of up to one year imprisonment. As of December 28, 2011, 52 people have been killed in 50 traffic collisions on Oahu so far this year.  Speed, alcohol, and/or drugs were factors in at least 19 of those crashes.  During the same period in 2010, 63 people were killed in 62 vehicle collisions; of those, 29 collisions had speed, alcohol, and/or drugs as contributing factors. Honolulu police officers will continue to conduct impaired driver checkpoints every week throughout the year as part of the federal "52/12" sobriety checkpoint program.    -hpd- Honolulu Police Department Media Liaison Office (808) 529-3198

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/29/11 Honolulu Rail Project Accepted For Final Design Phase

HONOLULU RAIL PROJECT ACCEPTED FOR FINAL DESIGN PHASE (Thurs., Dec. 29, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has accepted the Honolulu rail transit project into Final Design – the final phase of the project's development before executing a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the FTA. In a letter from FTA Regional Administrator Leslie T. Rogers, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) was advised of the favorable decision in writing.  "This is great news for Honolulu," Carlisle said. "We are grateful to Senator Inouye and to our congressional delegation for their strong support. Entering into final design also allows us to begin the process of working toward our full-funding grant agreement with FTA, which solidifies the $1.55 billion in federal funds we expect to receive. We remain on track to complete that process next fall." "I appreciate the approval from FTA for Honolulu rail transit to enter final design," said Senator Inouye. "This is significant and demonstrates the continued support for the federal share of $1.55 billion. I will continue to work hard with the City to ensure we obtain the full funding grant agreement this year." The Honolulu rail transit project's entry into final design demonstrates the FTA's continued acknowledgement that the project is progressing through the various FTA requirements toward a federal contribution of $1.55 billion. As is the case with all projects that progress through the Final Design process, FTA Regional Administrator Rogers noted that the Honolulu project's financial plan will be subject to an even more intensive review before FTA enters into an FFGA with HART. "Today's announcement is a significant milestone and another positive step toward providing Oahu residents and visitors with more affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation options," said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Since day one, the Obama Administration has recognized the importance of building up public transportation systems as a way to create jobs, connect people with local businesses, and build a strong foundation for a 21st century economy. This project has ongoing support from the Administration and members of Congress in both parties. I look forward to continuing to work with the rest of our Delegation, Mayor Carlisle, and HART to ensure that federal support continues and the project stays on schedule and on budget." "I'm glad to see the project continue to make progress, as it represents not just transportation alternatives for residents of Oahu, but also much-needed jobs and support for Hawaii's economy," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. "Like many others, I look forward to seeing the final design and how it addresses the unique needs of the Honolulu urban corridor." "I had the opportunity to meet with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff earlier this year to personally assure him of the Council's support for this project," said Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin. "I am pleased with the FTA's announcement and look forward to seeing construction start next year." "This approval serves as further confirmation that required steps have been properly followed and that the FTA believes this project should continue to move forward," HART Board Chairwoman Carrie Okinaga said. "It also means that the FTA has approved our updated financial plan and that the project remains on sound financial footing, which is good news for taxpayers.  The HART board will continue to do its part to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget." As previously announced by Senator Inouye, the Fiscal Year 2012 Transportation Appropriations measure includes a total of $510 million for those transit New Starts projects that will enter into an FFGA in calendar year 2012. When Honolulu enters into an FFGA with the FTA, it will become eligible for a portion of these funds in the year ahead. -30- Media contact: Jim Fulton, Mayor's Office, 768-6928.

Last Reviewed: Thursday, December 29, 2011

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/29/11 New Year's Eve Fireworks And Safety Tips

NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS AND SAFETY TIPS Enjoy Professional Fireworks Displays, Use Firecrackers With Caution   The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) reminds the public that Honolulu's new ordinance allows only firecrackers to be used.  All other fireworks are now illegal for consumer use in Honolulu.   "We hope that people will respect the new Honolulu fireworks ordinance and the dangers of firecrackers.  While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires on Oahu may not be as gigh as those nationwide, it is still too many for the public to suffer.  We experience the same trends as other communities where consumer fireworks cause injuries (most often to children and teens) and fires on New Year's Eve," said Fire Chief Kenneth Silva.   "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the public displays conducted by trained professional on Oahu.  If you do use firecrackers, please review these safety tips, follow the rules, and be considerate of your neighbors," Silva added.   The following information is provided to help the public remain safe and enjoy the New Year's Eve celebration and New Year's Day holiday:    Firecrackers Safety Tips   ·       Use only approved firecrackers from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.   ·       Always read and follow warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer to ensure the safe handling and use of firecrackers.   ·       Never point or throw firecrackers at a person, building, or animal.   ·       Never ignite firecrackers indoors.  Ensure your outdoor area is safe for firecrackers use.   ·       Firecrackers should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.   ·       Do not string firecrackers on utility poles.   ·       Keep ladders, poles, or tie lines used to set up firecrackers at least ten feet away from power lines.   ·       Never shoot firecrackers in metal or glass containers.     ·       Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.   ·       Alcohol and firecrackers do not mix.   ·       Always wear eye protection when lighting firecrackers.   ·       When lighting firecrackers, never position any part of your body over them.   ·       Never attempt to relight malfunctioning firecrackers.   ·       Store firecrackers in a cool, dry place.   ·       Never carry firecrackers in your pocket.   ·       Never experiment with homemade fireworks.  They are dangerous and illegal.     General Fireworks Prohibitions   It is unlawful for any person in Honolulu to:   Throw ignited fireworks at a person or an animal.   Throw ignited fireworks from above the first floor of any building.   Throw ignited fireworks from, at, or into a vehicle.   Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.   Set off fireworks on public beaches or in forest or wildlife preserves.   Set off fireworks in school buildings or on school grounds.   Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities for the care of animals, including the zoo.   Set off fireworks within 500 feet from a hotel.   Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors.  Honolulu's new ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on Oahu, even with adult supervision.   ·       Possess or use aerial fireworks unless the Fire Chief of the HFD issues a display permit per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 132D.   ·       Transport fireworks in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.   ·       Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.      New Year's Eve Sale and Use of Fireworks on Oahu   The sale of firecrackers in the City and County of Honolulu began on December 26, 2011, and ends at 12 midnight on December 31, 2011.   On Oahu, firecrackers may be set off, ignited, or discharged from 9 p.m. on December 31, 2011, until 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012.   A permit is required for the purchase of firecrackers on Oahu.  Firecrackers must be purchased from licensed retailers no more than five days prior to its use.  Retail licenses shall be prominently displayed in public view and secured at the location for which the license has been issued.  Licensed retailers shall not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.    The new Honolulu ordinance requires that firecracker permits be obtained no less than ten days before they are used.  Therefore, firecracker permits for the New Year's Eve celebration are no longer available, as December 21 was the last day the public could purchase a firecracker permit.                                                        According to Chapter 132D, HRS, the use of aerial fireworks is prohibited unless the HFD's Fire Chief issues a display permit.     Oahu Fireworks Statistics   Import Licenses Issued   2007 2008 2009 2020 2011           11 13 12 13 7       Retail Licenses Issued   2007 2008 2009 2010 2011           148 164 143 142 43               Firecracker Permits Issued   2007 2008 2009 2010 2011           9,223 6,924 8,055 10,008 8,461      Public Displays of Fireworks on Oahu All firing times are approximate   Display Location: Waikiki Beach (1,500' offshore) Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight         Display Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight         Display Location: Ihilani Resort & Spa Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight   – 30 –   CONTACT:  Fire Captain Terry Seelig, Public Information Officer, 808-723-7117

Last Reviewed: Thursday, December 29, 2011

© Copyright 2002-2011 City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Privacy Statement | Technical Support | Customer Service | Policy | Accessibility | Diversity Statement

Thursday, December 29, 2011

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/29/11 Mayor Joins Blessing Of New Canoe Halau In Ala Moana Park

MAYOR JOINS BLESSING OF NEW CANOE HALAU IN ALA MOANA PARK (Thurs., Dec. 29, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today joined Hawaiian canoe paddlers at Ala Moana Beach Park for a blessing on the City's newest canoe halau.  "This canoe halau is a wonderful new addition to one of Honolulu's best parks," Carlisle said. "It will provide safe storage for dozens of canoes and help students and athletes practice a great traditional sport that requires skill and teamwork." The City recognizes that paddling is a fun and healthy recreational activity enjoyed by thousands on Oahu, he said.  The new halau is located at the Diamond Head end of the park, across Ala Moana Park Drive from the canoe launch ramp. Twenty-seven canoes can be housed in the new facility, which also includes utility and storage rooms. The City has constructed similar halau at Nanakuli, Pokai Bay, Makaha, Keehi Lagoon, Maunalua Bay, Waimanalo and Kailua.  -30- Media contact: Jim Fulton, Mayor's Office, 768-6928.

City and County of Honolulu News Releases

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2011 / 12/28/11 Mayor Receives 'Torch-Bearer Award' From World Harmony Run

MAYOR RECEIVES 'TORCH-BEARER AWARD' FROM WORLD HARMONY RUN   (Wed., Dec. 28, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today received the Torch-Bearer Award from organizers of the World Harmony Run, the world's largest and longest relay torch run for peace. The award recognizes and honors people who have inspired their communities through their own lives and deeds.   In a ceremony today in Honolulu's Mission Memorial Auditorium, organizers presented the award and announced that the run will cover more than 100 nations in 2012 as runners visit schools, community groups, running clubs, and local and national government organizations.    The run includes millions of children who pass a flaming Peace Torch from hand to hand to express their aspirations for a better world. Runners today lit torches from the world's seven continents to signify the run's international launch. The Peace Torch will visit more than 100 nations on all continents, and the official opening ceremony will be held at United Nations headquarters in New York on April 11, 2012.   Carlisle said he is honored that the World Harmony Run organization chose Honolulu to launch the international run in 2012.   "I applaud them for carrying the message of peace throughout the world, and thank them for bringing it to our home," he said.   Past recipients of the Torch-Bearer Award have included Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO; President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Türk; American tennis champion Billie Jean King; Japanese Sumo Yokozuna Hakuhô Shô, and many others.   For more information about the World Harmony Run, go to www.worldharmonyrun.org.   -30-   Media contact: Jim Fulton, Mayor's Office, 768-6928.