Latest news with #DariusKila
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Derelict poles, sagging lines plague West Oahu ahead of summer
WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2) — As the summer fire season looms, a state lawmaker is sounding the alarm about dangerous utility conditions in West Oahu. State Rep. Darius Kila demanded immediate action from Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum Hawaii. 'Our risk is high,' fire experts warn as summer approaches In a letter sent on Wednesday, May 21, Kila highlighted aging poles, sagging wires and overgrown vegetation along Farrington Highway. 'I hate that it's always reactive and not proactive. Because again, I will invite folks to just take a quick five-minute, 10-minute drive down the Waianae Coast on Farrington Highway and you can point to the derelict poles, the derelict wires, the hanging wires,' said Rep. Kila. He has given the companies just 30 days to give an update on how they plan to identify, remove and replace abandoned, damaged or unused infrastructure. 'I felt 30 days was a fair timeline for them to get get some comprehensive plan, and also understand that this will be a rolling plan that they continue to visit and work out and noting that 30 days from now puts us right at the beginning of the summer. Cause I think people just want to feel at ease,' Rep. Kila said. The task isn't simple, since multiple entities share responsibility. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We have to work with other utilities, with private landowners, with the government, you know. Everybody has their part to play, but it's also something that we share together,' said Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson. The State is taking action — the Hawaii Department of Transportation deputy director said they are currently acquiring land to open Paakea Road as a permanent alternate route to Farrington. 'And when this route is open, it will be 24/7, it's not going to be an emergency route, it's going to be for everyday for public use. So there will be no more gates on that route and anybody can access the route at any time,' Robin Shishido, HDOT Deputy Director, explained. Pai added that over 1,300 poles have been inspected in the area since 2023, 100 have been removed since 2020 and vegetation management in the area is expected to be complete by the end of June. Check out more news from around Hawaii Spectrum said it does not own any of the poles in question, but they have hundreds of technicians who monitor and maintain its infrastructure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Window tint crackdown? 5 things to know about Hawaiʻi's new bill
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi is changing how it handles car window tinting. House Bill 226 CD1 is the biggest update since 1983 and is now waiting for the governor's signature. Written by Representative Darius Kila (D-44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā'ili), the new law helps make tint rules more fair and easier to follow. H-1 to have full closure this weekend. What you need to know 'This is about bringing our laws into the 21st century,' said Rep. Kila. 'For too long, sedans have been unfairly left out while trucks, vans, and SUVs benefit from factory tint exemptions. This bill ensures that all vehicles can access the same safety protections and sun relief. It's about fairness, clarity and improving public safety.' Hawaiʻi's best ice cream shops help cool off the rising heat Here's what drivers should this bill, trucks, vans and SUVs could have darker rear tint than sedans, which led to confusion and unfair enforcement. With the new law, sedans can now have the same tint levels as other vehicles. The goal is to treat all drivers equally. It's your chance to have dessert with Dolly Parton 'HB226 CD1 will ensure that vehicle window tint standards are applied and enforced fairly and consistently, while increasing safety for our law enforcement officers during traffic stops,' said Hawai'i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. 'We want to thank the Legislature and Representative Kila for their continued efforts to work with the Hawai'i Department of Transportation and key stakeholders to advance measures that improve safety on our roadways.' A new rule in the bill requires that anyone with fully tinted windows must roll them down during police stops. Lawmakers said this helps officers stay safe and clearly see who is in the vehicle. It also improves trust between drivers and law enforcement. Hawaiian Airlines to enforce new 'no-show' policy starting May 15 When new tint is installed, shops must now give the driver a certificate proving the tint meets legal standards. Drivers need to keep this in their car in case they are stopped. If they do not have it, they could face penalties. Drivers with illegal tint could pay between $300 and $550. Installers who break the law could be fined up to $1,200 and must fix the tint or pay the car owner back. Leaders from the tinting industry, law enforcement and government worked together on this reform. The goal is to make roads safer while protecting people from the sun and making sure laws are fair for all. 'By removing outdated distinctions, this law ensures equal treatment for all drivers and better sun protection — something that's critical in our climate,' said Tommy Silva, founder of T&T Tinting and long-time advocate for fair tint laws. The Honolulu Police Department weighed in on the new legislation. Former Honolulu police chief returns to Hawaii 'As the commander of the Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division, we support the passage of HB226, which strikes a critical balance between public safety and officer safety. This measure helps ensure that officers can better assess potential threats during traffic stops, while still preserving adequate visibility for drivers,' said HPD Traffic Division Major James Slayter. He went on to explain further. 'Clear visibility into vehicles is a key factor in protecting the lives of our officers, and this bill supports that objective without compromising roadway safety standards for motorists,' added Major Slayter. 'As always, we appreciate the collaborative partnership with Representative Kila for the many traffic safety measures he introduced.' Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Rep. Kila said, 'I want to thank the Hawai'i Department of Transportation, our county law enforcement agencies and local tinting professionals for their honest input and collaboration over the last three year. Together, we crafted a comprehensive overhaul that's fairer, safer, and more enforceable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hawaii traffic deaths up 51% from same time last year
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's been a deadly year on Hawaii roadways with the state seeing a 51% increase in fatalities compared to this time last year, and experts warn the deadliest days are ahead. Four hospitalized after head-on crash on Maui's Hana Hwy From January 1, 2025 to May 2, 2025 there have been 50 deaths on Hawaii roads; compared to 33 the same time in 2024. On Friday, four people were hospitalized on Maui after police said a truck was overtaking vehicles and collided head-on to a car of visitors from Idaho. Maui Police said one person sustained life-threatening injuries. 'It's just reckless, aggressive behavior,' said former Maui Police traffic Commander William Hankins. Officials said it's going to get worse with the 100 deadliest days of summer, or the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, approaching. 'With the summer months and people traveling, you're going to have more deaths, I'm talking double, triple fatalities where one car crash kills two or three people, it's coming,' the former commander said based on experience. He said it's due to more people on the road, more parties, and more drivers in a hurry. 'And now you add e-bikes into the equation when there's already a large number of cars and it's the same thing with pedestrians, they just don't mix,' he continued. 'People are too oblivious to what's going on around them to pay attention about other people on the road.'Also on Friday, a 12-year-old and 13-year-old were taken to the hospital after a vehicle hit them while they were riding their e-bike in Waianae. Officials said the two boys were not wearing helmets at the time. 'It's going to continue happening and I couldn't think of a better time than now to put forth this bill,' said Rep. Darius Kila (D) who is the House Transportation Committee Chair. Rep. Kila introduced HB958 that defines what a legal e-bike is by class and what is considered an illegal high speed electric device. 'If you're bike doesn't classify as a Class 1, 2, or 3 it will be a high speed electric device at 750 watts or more your device would be subject to impounding by local law enforcement and you won't get the vehicle back,' he explained. He said the high speed bikes were never designed to be on public roads. Car fire on H1 snarls traffic Saturday afternoon If signed off by the governor, moped riders will also be required to wear helmets and all e-bikes will have to be registered. Another bill sent over to Governor Green's desk would impose strict penalties on excessive speeding. 'Speeding endangers a lot of people's lives, and in some cases unfortunately it can kill people,' explained Sen. Brandon Elefante (D) who introduced SB97 after concerns from community members about excessive speeding on roads. Excessive speeding if defined as driving 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or exceeding 80 miles per hour. If SB97 is signed off by the Governor, three violations within five years could mean jail time or having your vehicle taken away. 'For three violations in a five year period, it could be removal of license, fines, an educational course, minimum jail time, and potential of forfeiture of the vehicle,' he explained. He said it would be up to the judge's discretion but the bill is aimed at keeping dangerous drivers off the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found nearly half of fatalities in Hawaii were speed related based on data from 2013 to 2022. From November 2024 to January 2025, Honolulu Police made 57 excessive speeding arrests. Sen. Elefante said it will be another tool for prosecutors and police to go after repeat offenders. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Governor Green has until the end of June to announce any bills he plans to veto or has to sign off on bills to become law by July 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hawaii EV owners to face new road charges starting July
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Big changes are coming to Hawaii roads and it's not just about traffic. Starting July 1, electric vehicle drivers across the state will face a new charge — one tied directly to the miles they drive. What to know about buying an EV in 2025 In a move designed to fund road maintenance in the age of electric cars, the state's transportation department is implementing a road usage charge program for EV owners. The idea? If you don't buy gas, you're not paying the fuel tax that traditionally funds road repairs. But the roads still need maintenance and someone needs to foot the bill. Under a measure that passed in 2023, starting July 1, drivers can choose from the following: Pay $0.80 per mile Opt for a $50 fee By 2028, the choice will go away and all EV drivers will be required to pay based on mileage — $8 per 1,000 miles — with a maximum of $50 a year paid at the time of your car inspection. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'At the end of it all, once road usage charge is largely adopted, we're going to abolish the gas tax and I think that's a win for everybody. No matter what, it would not exceed $50 and I think that's the most equitable model,' said Rep. Darius Kila (D) House Transportation Committee Chair. The move is part of a broader strategy to shift from the fuel tax model. 'If it goes towards making the roads better or charging facilities better, I'm for that. I'm okay with giving my part,' said David Jones, EV owner. EV owners KHON2 spoke with said they understand the need to keep up with road repairs and upgrades, but not everyone is sold on the plan. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Everything higher the cost of living, you know, everything's got to be shipped in and whatnot. I don't know, I feel like there could be a better way,' said Danette Botelho, EV owner. But that's not all the charges EV owners could face. House Bill 1161 in the legislature this session would allow the counties to impose their own mileage based road usage charge to pay for county roads. According to state data, there are currently more than 36,800 registered EVs in Hawaii, an 18% increase over last year. EVs represent 3% of all the registered passenger vehicles in the state. Some critics say this will disincentivize people from going electric.'I'd argue back,' said Rep. Kila. 'Let's not forget that EVs have the option to use HOV lane, zipper lane, that is not available to petrol vehicles that we have written currently.' A public hearing on the new road usage charge rule is scheduled for May 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Pedestrian deaths more than double from 2024
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Concerns are mounting for pedestrian safety as the number of fatalities for walkers and bikers continue on an upward trend. The Hawaii Bicycling League stated the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed on the road has already more than doubled since this time in 2024, when there were six reported deaths and three serious-injury crashes. Woman, 88, dies after being hit by car in Hawaii Kai 'We've already hit 13 deaths and each of those each of those deaths, it's an aunty, a brother, a sister,' said Eduardo Hernandez, HBL advocacy director. 'It's not acceptable that we can just go on and everybody has a role to play to keep these deaths from happening.' In 2024, 37 people were killed while walking and six were killed while biking across the state. The number of traffic fatalities were higher than a 20 year average of 27 walkers and four bikers killed, per HBL. HBL believes speed, carelessness, distractions and impaired driving are primary causes for the upward trend.'A part of it is that there are unsupervised children using bicycles that are not meant for underage children,' said Rep. Darius Kila. 'Drivers aren't used to seeing bicycles move as fast as e-bikes are going.' At the state capitol, lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing for safer pedestrian infrastructure and e-bike regulations. 'What we are trying to do is give every county police department all the tools that they need to enforce, regulate and actually put definitions of classifications of what an e-bike is or what an e-bike isn't. It also prohibits certain activities on a roadway and usage. And the bill that I offer also prohibits class three e-bikes from operating on sidewalks,' Kila said. HBL will lead a delegation to the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. later this week. It will meet with Hawaii's congressional delegation on safe transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
