NEW LAW INCREASES PARKING FINES ON STATE HIGHWAYS

Measure a 'game changer' for neighborhood road safety, less invasive tourism

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Thousands of people are drawn to the popular scenic areas on Kauai's north shore every day, but one long-standing problem has been too many vehicles illegally parked along state highways. This has caused gridlock, safety concerns, and numerous complaints according to Representative Nadine K. Nakamura (Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Kapaʻa, Wailua).

HB 333 HD1 SD2 CD1, a bill introduced by Rep. Nakamura and signed into law July 5 by Gov. David Ige, establishes a new State Highway Enforcement Program. The bill also sets a parking violation surcharge in special no parking zones in addition to other penalties and fines for parking violations on State highways.

“This bill is the direct result of Hāʻena and Wainiha residents raising the concern about illegally parked cars taking over their community and causing health and safety issues," Rep. Nakamura said. "Adding a $200 surcharge to the existing parking fine of $35 will deter visitors from parking in the newly established 'no parking' zone."

Increasing the parking fine is part of a multi-pronged solution to manage tourism at the Hāʻena State Park. To protect cultural and natural resources from overuse, daily visitor counts will be reduced from 3,000 to 900 visitors per day.  While resident parking is available, visitors must make advance parking and entrance reservations via www.gohaena.com. Visitors may also access the Hāʻena State Park via the North Shore Shuttle by reserving seats at www.kauainsshuttle.com.  Enforcement along the special two-mile 'no parking' zone will be done by State and County of Kauai law enforcement officers.

“This bill acknowledges the hard work of the Kauai Police Department in helping to enforce laws on our State highways," Rep. Nakamura said. "Half of the $200 surcharge will go to the police department where the citation is issued for future enforcement efforts.  The other half will go to the State Highway Fund."

Over the past two years, a working group of community, County of Kauai, State of Hawaiʻi, and visitor industry leaders have collaborated and secured the resources to implement this multi-pronged strategy. Since the opening of Kūhiō Highway and Hāʻena State Park on June 16, the group has helped to address additional concerns and logistics during the transition.  To ensure the preservation of our cultural and natural resources, and to respect our host community, all visitors are asked to read and follow the Aloha Pledge at www.alohapledge.com.