HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT DEXTER VERIATO
PHONE: 961-2305
DECEMBER 5, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Police Department is asking for the public's patience when applying for or renewing a driver's license.

The driver's licensing sections at several Big Island police stations are short-staffed because of vacancies and employees who are on leave. In some cases, the Police Department has been unable to accommodate citizens wishing to take a driving test.

Because of the island's low unemployment rate, especially in West Hawaii, police have had trouble filling vacancies for a driver's licensing clerk and two driver's licensing examiners in Kona and for a driver's licensing clerk in South Kohala.

Persons who wish to apply for the vacant jobs may pick up an application form at the county's Department of Human Resources, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo, or at the Kona mayor's office at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona. For more information, call the county's Job Hotline at 961-8618.

To increase efficiency until those positions can be filled, the Police Department's Traffic Services Section is considering several solutions, including possibly requiring appointments for driving tests.

In the meantime, member of the public may call the driver's license offices ahead of time to ensure road tests are being given that day. The phone numbers are as follows:

Hilo 961-2222

Kona 327-3580

Waimea 887-3087

The Police Department apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks the public for being understanding until a better solution can be found.

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