The Parking Lot Mafia reopens its towing terror in Waikiki

With 1,500 people flying into Honolulu every day and tourists that claim to be friends of residents violating the curfew law, the parking lot by Honolulu Zoo on Kapahulu Avenue is not only popular when visiting the zoo as a resident, but also for friends from out of town when enjoying Waikiki Beach.

Six months ago the parking rate went up 50% from $1 to $1.50 an hour. When entering the parking lot, you find signs explaining that this is paid parking with machines to pay across the lot.

Today, I was invited by the city to witness the re-opening of the Honolulu Zoo. I arrived at 10:27 am for the 10:30 am tour. Since this was an invitation by the city, I immediately went to the Mayor’s media host and asked if parking was included. I was told it was not.

I went back to the closest pay machines so I could pay the $3 for 2 hours of parking. Keeping my social distance from the customer before me, I was waiting for my turn when I noticed a red tow truck. He was about to leave the lot with a silver Mercedes – it was my car.

I ran to him, and he told me that he was watching me leaving the parking lot and, therefore, immediately towed me for not paying. This entire process from parking my car and being towed was less than 3 minutes. After I threatened to call the police and after I told him I was invited by the zoo to report about the reopening, he told me not to lie to him and made a “one-time exception” releasing my car.

I parked my car in the same spot, paid $3, and continued my visit to the zoo.

It looks like business is bad, also for tow companies, but perhaps they don’t understand we’re all in the same boat and a sense of aloha and fairness should guide any business, also in bad times.

;