From the StarAdvertiser Kokua Line Re: Parking 5/12/2011

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/20110512_Bus_seats_temporarily_blocked_because_of_ADA_requirements.html

Question: Regarding your April 29 column on electric cars: Can you let your readers know that both the parking provisions and the HOV provisions of Act 290 are still in effect? And, it’s not just parking in metered spaces that’s free — it’s parking in any state or county parking facility.

Answer: You are correct on both counts.

The state Department of Transportation had told us there never was a “perk” regarding electric vehicles using high-occupancy-vehicle lanes and pointed out the failed attempt in the Legislature this year to allow “EVs” that could go at least 55 mph to use those HOV lanes.

However, state Rep. K. Mark Takai, who drives an electric vehicle, said the “law is very clear” on the HOV use, as well as the “total access” to parking at state and county facilities, not just at metered stalls. The intent of Act 290 is that there should be free parking in all those facilities, including the airport and convention center, he said.

Asked again about the HOV exemption, the DOT’s Highways Division acknowledged that electric vehicles are allowed to use HOV lanes without any restriction.

“Only Section 5 (dealing with a waiver of vehicle registration and license plate fees) was sunsetted in 2002,” a DOT spokesman said.

However, “It’s important to note that Act 290 only applies to 100 percent electric vehicles that have a special ‘Electric Vehicle’ license plate attached to it … but does not apply to gas-electric hybrids or alternative-fuel vehicles,” he said.

With this special license plate, electric vehicles are allowed to use HOV lanes, as well as park for free in all state and county facilities, he said. The free parking does not extend to federal facilities.

At the end of 2010, there were 271 electric vehicles registered in the state: 152 in the City and County of Honolulu, 41 in Hawaii County, 12 in Kauai County and 66 in Maui County, according to the DOT.