Scooter rental company suspends Honolulu service
HONOLULU — An electric scooter rental company has temporarily suspended operations in Honolulu after city officials defined the scooters as mopeds, which are not allowed to be parked on sidewalks.
The Honolulu Department of the Corporation Counsel notified the company Lime on Thursday that penalties can be imposed for each violation of a state law prohibiting parking that creates hazardous conditions or public nuisances.
The company had placed the scooters on Honolulu-area sidewalks for people to rent. Users unlocked and paid for the scooters through a smartphone app.
In a statement, the company said it decided to suspend the service while it reviews the relevant code and examines its next steps.
“We hope to be able to work collaboratively with city leaders to establish a sensible regulatory framework around this new shared scooter model so that we can return to serving the City & County of Honolulu,” the company said the statement.
The state law cited by Corporation Counsel Donna Leong states that each violation could result in up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail. The penalties could be imposed on anyone who parks the scooters, including company representatives or riders, Leong said.
The scooters are considered mopeds under state law because of their engine power, two wheels and ability to be ridden, Leong told the company. The scooters also require city registrations and license plates.
Lime had 200 scooters placed around the city last week. Police impounded 96 after complaints of obstructed sidewalks or scooters left on private property.
Hawaii toddler contracts rat lungworm disease on Oahu
HONOLULU — A toddler on Oahu has contracted rat lungworm disease, the island’s first case of the year, Hawaii health officials said.
The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed Friday that the parasite was found in the child’s spinal fluid following lab tests.
The child became sick earlier this month and was hospitalized, prompting health authorities to investigate, officials said. This case marks the state’s fourth confirmed diagnosis this year.
The adult form of the parasite, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is only found in rodents. The larvae can spread from infected rodents through their feces, according to the health department.
People can become infected by ingesting the larvae, typically through eating raw or undercooked items.
The disease can spread to young children by what they put into their mouths.
“As parents and caregivers, we can help ensure their safety by being mindful of where our children play and what they may be putting in their mouths,” said Dr. Virginia Pressler, health department director. “The risk of rat lungworm disease exists statewide and we can all take steps to help prevent it by working together to reduce the risks in our own communities.”
The disease can cause debilitating conditions and result in a rare type of meningitis. The disease’s symptoms include severe headaches, neck stiffness, low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure, according to the department.
To prevent rat lungworm disease, the department recommends that residents wash all produce and store the items in sealed containers. Residents should also control snail, slug and rat populations around homes, gardens and farms.