Law makes looking at devices in crosswalks illegal ADVERTISING Law makes looking at devices in crosswalks illegal HONOLULU (AP) — A law banning Honolulu pedestrians from using cellphones and other electronic devices while crossing the street will go into effect
Law makes looking at devices in crosswalks illegal
HONOLULU (AP) — A law banning Honolulu pedestrians from using cellphones and other electronic devices while crossing the street will go into effect Oct. 25.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell called the city’s new law one he wishes it didn’t have to pass, but he said common sense does not always prevail.
The first violation can earn a pedestrian a $15 to $35 fine. Additional violations will be $75 to $99. For comparison, jaywalking is a $130 fine.
The measure, known as the electronic devices pedestrian safety bill, aims to increase responsibility of pedestrians while on the road. The fines are low because the law is meant to be a reminder to stay aware while crossing the street.
Some have called the bill “intrusive” and “another attempt at local government overreach,” while supporters think it is needed to keep pedestrians safe and distraction free.
“We’re not out there to look for how many citations we can get,” Honolulu police Capt. Thomas Taflinger said. “We’re just out there to make sure everybody’s safe.”
Hawaiian Electric approved to start solar farms
HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved three solar projects that have the combined capacity to power more than 17,900 homes.
Hawaiian Electric Company announced Thursday that it expects the facilities to be in service no later than 2019.
Facilities will be located near Waialua, Waiawa and Mililani on Oahu. They will be built and operated by NRG Energy Inc.
Roughly 110 megawatts will be provided to the company’s system at the projects’ peak.
The company stated the solar projects will increase its renewable energy portfolio progress by 3 percentage points.
Remains recovered from WWII battlefield
HONOLULU (AP) — The remains of what are thought to be 24 American servicemen killed on a Pacific island during World War II were returned to the U.S. for identification.
The Pentagon says a U.S. military aircraft carrying flag-draped coffins arrived this week at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu.
History Flight, a Florida-based nonprofit group, says its members discovered the remains during excavations on Tarawa, in the Gilbert Islands.
Nearly 1,000 Marines and 30 sailors were killed during the assault on the Japanese-controlled atoll in November 1943.
History Flight recovered the remains of 35 Marines in 2015. The group says the two recoveries are some of the largest for U.S. battlefield remains since the Korean War.
