KHON’s 6 p.m. news promoted a story on problems with the paperwork required by the state’s new driver’s license regulations. It caught my attention, since Meda and I both have to renew our licenses in the next few months.
The story began:
It’s been more than three months since new driver’s license regulations went into effect, and our action line department has received some complaints from people who were born before statehood. The birth certificate seems to be the one document giving most people problems.
Okay. So people born in Hawaii and in their mid-50s or older are having trouble with birth certificates? Is that really a big story? Well, okay, I guess the story is going to explain.
But…birth certificates never come up again in the story. Nope. Not once. Birth certificates for people born before statehood aren’t really a problem, despite the story’s lead.
So what is the point?
KHON2 first told you about a problem many women have been running into when renewing, name change due to marriage. But, clerks are finding it can be a problem for immigrants who may have spent years going by an “Americanized name” as well.
Hmmm. That doesn’t seem to explain anything, or am I missing something?
I was expecting problems to be highlighted, defined, and solutions presented. Okay, it seems name changes are causing problems, and people should come with the proper documentation. What is the proper documentation? The story doesn’t tell us. And those old pre-statehood birth certificates? They just got forgotten. I just have to shake my head.
I anticipate problems when I renew, just because of all the confusion, but I’ll be equipped with valid passport and proof of my Social Security number, so I think I’ll be okay.
The instructions posted on state and county web sites are confusing, as are the new document requirements, but this story is equally confusing. I don’t understand how it ever made it onto the air at all.
Oh, well. Just another day in local broadcast news.
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My personal experience was fully negative. I was denied my application as a native-born American (with native born parents & grandparents) and with a current, valid passport because I no longer had the original Social Security card issued in 1950.
Long story short, after three trips to Hilo’s SS office located in a rutted, pot-hole ridden shopping center I got my renewal accomplished and weeks later a new SS card. It was not a matter of proving who I am, the examiner addressed me by my first name. It as stupidity in full force.’
The Taliban announced this week they won’t allow polio shots for their children so long as U..Forces are posted in Afghanistan. Our renewal process is almost just as smart .
And Mazie Hirono says all the TSA harassment I have endured is to protect me. Go figure!
My current DL was renewed last fall, with an expiration date in 2019. Will it be valid until then? If not, when does it need to be replaced with a “legal presence” version? Both state & county websites are silent on this issue. I can’t be the only one in this situation.
You shouldn’t have any trouble with passport and card with Social Security # (such as medicare card} at Windward Satellite, Ian.
Local broadcast news….giggle….giggle…here’s a new viral video….cross chat and giggle….cutesy pie giggle…..cute bunny photos…..
I agree that the new requirement is confusing for many people. I wrote a column about it in the Star-Advertiser, and I was flooded with questions that I had to re-address the topic at least two more times.
Here was my followup column: http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20120120_New_license_requirements_generate_many_questions.html?id=137743403 (subscription required)
Thanks for directing me to a paywall….
Mazie says it’s there to protect you, Dj!
(Nah, not snark … just goofing around.)
like it or not, this is hawaii’s version of the maddening hanging chad in Florida.
a ridiculous issue. a sign of reality.
Happy Friday!!!! time for the beach.
FYI, Ian. No. 2 son just renewed driver’s license successfully last week with a passport and copy of social security card.
If you don’t have the social security card, you have to take your birth certificate to the Social Security Office in the Federal Building to request a duplicate. Did that with No. 1 son a few years back, and it took awhile before we got the copy.
I just presented a recent W-2 form showing my SSN and address. The W-2 and a passport was good enough.
I have no idea where my SS card is and, as Lopaka notes, the procedure to get a duplicate is too humbug.
As someone who does not legally exist – although I certainly physically exist – I wonder what will happen come six-plus years from now when my driver’s license expires.
I am not eligible for any personal/specified services at any level of government although I can still expect potable water, First Responder services, and public parks.
Hopefully, the laws will be changed by then. Either that, I will have shuffed off this mortal coil.
No sweat. In 2019, a year after your license expires, you’ll be able to ride the rail from Ho’opili to Ala Moana Center. Problem solved.
With a passport and a social security card I was in and out of the Windward Satellite City Hall in 20 minutes – the staff was extremely pleasant and efficient.