Questions arise about specialty plates

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National Park Service officials are ecstatic about the public’s response to specialty license plates being issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles celebrating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala.

National Park Service officials are ecstatic about the public’s response to specialty license plates being issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles celebrating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala.

Jessica Ferracane, HVNP public affairs specialist, said lots of questions have come up about the plates.

Here are a few answers:

Q: How much do the plates cost?

A: $35.50, and $18 goes to support both Hawaii parks.

Q: Can I get personalized license plates in the specialty design?

A: The plates are prenumbered, so customizing isn’t an option.

Q: I have two vehicles. Can I get one of each?

A: Yes. The Hilo DMV now has the Haleakala plates, but they are running low on the Hawaii Volcanoes plate. Call your local DMV to double-check availability.

Q: Can I get the specialty plate for my electric vehicle?

A: You can exchange your EV plates for the specialty plates; however, it does not come with the EV designation, so you’d have to forgo the benefits of having an EV plate.

Q: Can I pay with a credit card?

A: No. The DMV accepts cash or check only (at least that’s the case in Hilo).

The license plates were authorized by a 2015 state law to raise funds for resource protection and education projects at Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala. The plates feature volcanic views and rare native species such as the nene and silversword. Sae Design, a Maui graphic design company, designed the plates as a donation to the National Park Service.

“We hope to see you on the road and in the park with your gorgeous new license plates soon,” Ferracane said. “Post a photo to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #FindYourVolcano to show your park pride!”