Officers out in force in Lanikai to ticket special parking rules violators

LANIKAI, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Many beachgoers in Lanikai returned to their vehicles on Easter Sunday with tickets left on their windshields.

That's because they were probably parked illegally on the street or shoulder sometime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Over the holiday weekend, police were present to enforce the special Lanikai parking restrictions. HPD officers patrolled the area on bicycles and ATVs.

Despite the program being launched more than a year ago, officers say the number of drivers being ticketed remains high.

One officer told Hawaii News Now that he issued 10 citations on Sunday in just two hours.

"We saw people parked along this side of the road when we came in," said Danielle Myslivy, who received a ticket. She blamed the lack of detail posted on signs. "I know there are signs spread out, but it made it seem like it was just in small areas."

Lanikai and Kailua have been ranked among the best beaches in the world, so many flock to the area.

But residents have long complained about severe traffic congestion, calling it a public safety hazard.

"It's a safety issue," said Lanikai resident Peter Kneer. "The problem is getting in and out of here if there's a fire or accident."

In 2016, HPD issued a total of 1,188 tickets during holiday weekends.

So far this year, at least 272 citations were handed out.

The city believes the ban is effective in alleviating gridlock, but not all residents agree the added enforcement is worth taxpayer dollars.

"Even if it's not a holiday, we still have weekends where it still gets bad here," said resident Terry Nelson. "I don't think it makes a difference."

Others would like to see the ban made permanent.

"I think its something that's necessary," said Knerr. "It would be nice, but I don't know whether people would go along with that."

The Department of Transportation Services intends to continue the holiday weekend restrictions for the time being.

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