Tired of potholes in Hawaii? File a claim.

Christie Gora

Eco-Hawaiian columnist 

October 21, 2011 ©

Hawai’i, are you tired of all those potholes?

I know I am.

Here are some answers to the potholes.

What is asphalt?

Asphalt is a dark and heavy mineral substance, mixed of hydrocarbons known as bitumens.
Asphalt provides a strong chemical resistant and weather conditioned bind to the crushed
gravels and stones, which then creates roadways,
streets and airport runways.

Asphalt is also recycled.

Since the Environmental protection laws
developed strict codes to limit emissions (releasing of substance) from the asphalt and processing plants, the higher costs has forced the industry to recycle the old asphalt pavements.

What are potholes?

Potholes are little craters on the roadways of either freeways and or highways.

They are usually caused by rain, sun, and extensive pressure of weights.

What damages does potholes cause?

Damage to your motor vehicles rims, tires, shocks, and or alignment.

Potholes can also cause car accidents.

In the U.S., the insurance claims for potholes are around 500,000 per year.

How can you tell if your tire is damaged?

Look for bulges in the sidewall of your tire.

Also look for damages on the cars rims, as many of the modern cars have aluminum based rims, compared to the rims of the yesteryears.

What else damages to look for?

Potholes can also damage the under side of your car, meaning if there are any dents, leaks, and or rusting.

Check your engine mounting area and or have a professional look at it.

Are you having vehicle alignment problems?

The alignment, the motor vehicle’s suspension was made for the smooth driving and comfort
for the driver and passengers.
When travelling at highway and freeway speeds, the tires and struts are flexible, adding bounce.

When a tire hits a pothole, the vehicle’s suspension receives a jolt that vibrates the whole car.
This can cause your car to sway when driving forward or making turns.

Another sign of an alignment problem is the steering wheel.

If the vehicle pulls more to one direction than the other, it could be a misalignment in your vehicle.

If any of these problems persist,
go to a repair shop and have a car mechanic check your alignment during a tire rotation.

Are you wanting to file a claim on pothole damage to your vehicle?

Here are the steps.

How to file for a claim for pothole damage to the State of Hawaii:

• Record the exact location of the pothole area.

• Take a picture of the pothole and pictures of the damage that it did to your vehicle.  Use common sense when taking pictures.  If you can’t take pictures of the pothole (such as the freeway or highway), take a picture of the location and the direction of where the pothole is located.

• Make a police report and if there are any witnesses nearby, ask if they could assist you with information.

• Also, there is a difference between city roadways and state roadways.  Ask the police officer if the roadway is considered a city or state roadway.

• Request a claim form.

For the city roadways:
Call the Department of Accounting and
General Services at (808) 523-4115 and
request a claim form.

For the state roadways:
State of Hawaii claim form (808) 831-6714
and request a claim form.

• Have your vehicle checked and perform repairs. Keep all receipts that had been done on your vehicle from the pothole damage.

• Fill out the form that you received from the Department of Accounting and General Services (this is the city roadway claim form), and include the police report (if applicable), pictures you took, and the receipt copies from the repair shop and mail it to:

Address: DAGS, Kalanimoku Bldg

             1151 Punchbowl St.

             Honolulu, HI 96813

• If you’re wanting the address for the state roadway form, it will be provided when you ask for a claim form.  State of Hawaii claim form (808) 831-6714.  When you receive the form, fill it out and include the police report (if applicable), pictures you took, and the receipt copies from the repair shop.

• The decision will be made within three months of your claim.

To report a pothole in Hawai’i:

Call (808) 536-7852 for state roadways.

Call (808) 768-7777 for city roadways.

Honolulu City website:
http://www1.honolulu.gov/dfm/road/pothole.htm

Now that you know how to file a pothole claim, you can be better prepared just in case your tire goes out by a pothole.

And remember Hawai’i, to take care of your health, take care of life, take care of the
environment, and to think Green Hawai’i!