Honolulu Zoo: Electric Vehicle Parking Availability And Cost

is honolulu zoo parking free for electric vehicles

Honolulu Zoo is open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with guests asked to exit by 4:00 p.m. The zoo has parking facilities, and until 2020, electric vehicles (EVs) were able to park for free. However, this provision was repealed, and now EVs must pay the standard parking fees at all city public parking facilities and metered areas. This change brought the policy in line with the University of Hawaii, which also removed free parking for EVs.

Characteristics Values
Honolulu Zoo Parking Fees $1.50/hour, 4-hour max
Honolulu Zoo Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Honolulu Zoo Exit Time 4:00 p.m.
Honolulu Zoo Parking Payment Methods Credit cards, dollar bills, and coins
Honolulu Parking for Electric Vehicles No longer free at city lots and meters as of July 1, 2020
Honolulu Zoo Parking Enforcement Honolulu Police Department (HPD) or parking enforcement
Honolulu Zoo Parking Citations Paid to the city/state

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Honolulu Zoo parking is paid and enforced by the Honolulu Police Department

Parking fees must be paid for as long as the vehicle remains in the parking space. If you do not pay, a notice will be placed on your vehicle, informing you of additional parking fees and the possibility of a traffic citation. If you receive a ticket, the fine is paid to the city/state.

The Honolulu Police Department is responsible for enforcing and collecting payment for all city parking meters and parking stalls. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) also plays a role in parking management, offering the Park Smarter app for iOS and Android, which accepts credit card payments for parking.

Regarding electric vehicles, there was previously a State law enacted in 2012 that allowed electric vehicles to park for free at state and county parking lots and meters. However, this law was repealed on June 30, 2020, meaning that electric vehicle owners now must pay posted parking fees at all city public parking facilities and metered areas. This change also applies to the University of Hawaii, where electric vehicles must follow the existing parking policies and rates.

It is important to note that individuals with disability parking passes or license plates are required to pay for metered parking at the Honolulu Zoo unless they have been approved for the Disability Paid Parking Exemption Permit.

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Electric vehicles had free parking until 2020, when the law was repealed

Electric vehicles enjoyed free parking in Honolulu until 2020, when the law permitting this was repealed. This law, Act 168, was enacted in 2012 and allowed electric vehicles (EVs) to park for free at state airports and most state and county parking lots and meters. However, this changed on June 30, 2020, when the law was repealed by the State Legislature, and electric vehicle owners had to start paying posted parking fees at all city public parking facilities and metered areas from July 1, 2020.

This change meant that electric vehicle owners now had to pay for parking at locations where they previously parked for free, including state airports and many state and county lots and meters. The Honolulu Zoo, for example, now requires electric vehicle owners to pay for parking, just like any other vehicle. This change brought Honolulu Zoo into line with other city-run facilities and universities, such as UH Manoa, which also no longer offer free parking for electric vehicles.

The repeal of the law was likely a result of the need to generate revenue from parking fees to cover the costs associated with maintaining parking facilities. Additionally, the city has stated its commitment to expanding electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and transitioning to clean energy for its fleet by 2035. This suggests that the repeal may also be part of a broader strategy to encourage the use of electric vehicles and reduce the city's carbon footprint.

While the repeal of the free parking law may have been inconvenient for electric vehicle owners, it is important to note that the city continues to support the electrification of transportation. The city has expressed its commitment to fossil-fuel-free ground transportation by 2045, and it is taking active steps to expand the infrastructure for electric vehicles. This includes the installation of new solar-powered pay stations at the Honolulu Zoo, which are more environmentally friendly and convenient for all visitors, regardless of their vehicle type.

Overall, while the repeal of the law providing free parking for electric vehicles may have been disappointing for some, it is part of a broader strategy to balance the needs of all road users and promote the adoption of more sustainable transport options in Honolulu.

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Honolulu Zoo parking is now managed by APARC Systems, with solar-powered pay stations

Honolulu Zoo parking is now managed by APARC Systems, which uses solar-powered pay stations. In July, the city transferred responsibility for the zoo parking lot to APARC Systems, which removed the meters and installed solar-powered pay stations, the first of its kind on Oahu.

APARC Systems' new pay stations only require drivers to input their license plate number, not their stall number. This is because the system is capable of receiving both a license (plate) number and a stall number, but the process has been simplified for now.

The Honolulu Zoo parking lot's enforcement rules remain unchanged. Vehicles must pay for parking for as long as they remain in the parking space. If a vehicle's payment expires and it is still parked, it is subject to a parking infraction. If a driver does not pay, they will initially be notified of additional parking fees, and failure to pay could result in a traffic citation.

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) or parking enforcement are the only agencies authorized to issue citations, and fines are paid to the city/state. The Honolulu Zoo parking lot is just one of many parking areas in the city that is monitored by the HPD.

Electric vehicles are no longer exempt from parking fees at the Honolulu Zoo or other city and county parking lots and meters.

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Honolulu has a Park Smarter app for iOS and Android, which accepts parking payments

Honolulu's parking system has undergone some changes in recent years, particularly regarding electric vehicle (EV) parking and payment methods. While there used to be benefits for EV owners, such as free parking at state airports and most state and county parking lots and meters, these perks were repealed in 2020. This means that electric vehicle owners now must pay posted parking fees at all city public parking facilities and metered areas.

Honolulu has introduced a convenient way to pay for parking through the Park Smarter app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app is designed to simplify the parking payment process and is free to download. It accepts credit card payments, providing a quick and secure way to pay for parking without the hassle of searching for change. For those without smartphones or mobile internet access, traditional payment methods, such as coins, are still accepted.

The Park Smarter app is part of Honolulu's efforts to modernise and improve its parking system. In recent years, the city has made several changes, such as introducing new solar-powered pay stations at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot. These pay stations, managed by APARC Systems, utilise license plate recognition technology to monitor parking payments. This system streamlines the payment process and enhances the overall parking experience for visitors to the zoo.

It is important to note that parking rates and policies can vary depending on the location and type of parking space. For instance, handicap parking at the Honolulu Zoo requires individuals with disability parking passes or license plates to pay for metered parking unless they have the Disability Paid Parking Exemption Permit (green placard). The zoo's parking hours and rates are clearly posted, and guests are expected to follow the posted signage and directional arrows to ensure a smooth experience for all visitors.

Overall, the Park Smarter app offers a convenient and modern solution for parking payments in Honolulu, providing users with a seamless way to manage their parking fees. By embracing digital solutions, the city is making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the parking landscape and encouraging compliance with parking regulations.

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Honolulu Zoo opening hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with guests exiting by 4:00 p.m

The Honolulu Zoo's opening hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with guests exiting by 4:00 p.m. During these hours, visitors can arrive at any time without the need for reservations. It is important to note that the zoo has specific entry procedures and social distancing measures in place, with directional arrows guiding guests through the exhibits.

Regarding parking, the Honolulu Zoo has a parking lot with pay stations. The parking rates are set by City Ordinances under Section 15-23.2 for Metered Parking Facilities in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and parking enforcement are authorised to issue citations for parking infractions.

Previously, in 2012, a State law allowed electric vehicles to park for free at state and county parking lots and meters. However, this law was repealed on June 30, 2020, and electric vehicle owners now must pay posted parking fees at all city public parking facilities and metered areas. This change also applies to the Honolulu Zoo, where electric vehicles are subject to the same parking fees as other vehicles.

It is worth mentioning that the Honolulu Zoo is committed to the health and well-being of its animals, guests, and staff. Visitors are expected to respect the animals' space and follow the posted signage and directional arrows during their visit. The zoo also offers membership options, which help support conservation efforts, animal enrichment, and training initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

No, electric vehicles must pay for parking at the Honolulu Zoo. A State law that allowed free parking for electric vehicles at state and county parking lots and meters was repealed on June 30, 2020.

Parking meter rates are set by City Ordinances under Section 15-23.2 for Metered Parking Facilities, under the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu. The rate is $1.50/hour, with a 4-hour max.

Payment can be made through the Park Smarter app, which is available for free on iOS and Android. The app only accepts credit card payments. For those without smartphones, payment can be made with coins at the solar-powered pay stations.

Individuals with disability parking passes (red or blue placards) or license plates will need to pay for metered parking unless they have been approved for the Disability Paid Parking Exemption Permit (green placard).

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