Confusion remains over curb, signs along vital Chinatown loading zone

CHINATOWN (HawaiiNewsNow) – Along a busy Chinatown street, confusion remains over a curb that many businesses and delivery drivers rely on in front of Cindy’s Lei Shoppe on Maunakea Street.

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At the end of May, the curb was turned into a bus stop with no parking or stopping allowed, impacting deliveries to shops and customers making quick stops.

Businesses voiced their concerns to city leaders.

“They came by real quick. I mean we’re very fortunate that they listened to us. The changes did come. I know that it does take some time for things to happen,” Alex Lau of Cindy’s Lei Shoppe said.

Bus stop moved, but red curb remains

The bus stop was moved back in July to a new location just around the corner, but the confusion remains because the curb is still painted red.

There are also conflicting signs just pillars apart.

One says it’s a tow-away zone that should be kept clear at all times, while another says it is a loading zone Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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“We’re just still waiting to see when the curb will be changed back to yellow,” Lau said.

City promises to expedite repainting

The city Department of Transportation Services said in a statement, “We will expedite the repainting of the yellow loading zone curb on Maunakea Street as soon as crews are available. … Our City crews have prioritized cleanup following Tropical Storm Lala, but we understand how important this work is for our Chinatown businesses and apologize for the delay.”

While crews work to sort out the confusion, area businesses say they’re grateful the city is willing to work with them on improvements.

“It’s important to voice our concerns and we were able to help not just us, but a lot of the other vendors around Chinatown, the other merchants,” Lau added.

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