It’s an experience, no vehicle owner, enjoys.
"I realize it’s a pain to get your car towed already, on top of that a high towing cost," said Albert Ternora Jr., general manager of Leeward Auto Wreckers.
But under a new contract that begins at 12:01 a.m., that experience, might improve.
"It means easier time to pick up their car, less cost," he said.
One company, Leeward Auto Wreckers, is taking over towing responsibilities for Honolulu Police. The company will pay the city $60,000 a month for a five-year contract. Up until now, eight contractors had been handling Oahu.
"Dispatch had to know where the vehicle was located at, which zone it was in, because the contractor has exclusive rights for that particular zone," said Dennis Kamimura with the Honolulu Department. of Customer Services.
The city wanted a single tow company to handle responsibilities, after seeing it done on the Mainland. Not only will this move be beneficial to HPD, but it could also help the public.
"We used to have complaints about the fact that people used to pay an excess of $200 to $300 because of HPD’s tow and the fact they did not claim the vehicle right away," Kamimura said.
But Leeward Auto Wreckers has implemented a $165 cap on tow charges. Owners will be able to pick up their vehicle from one of the five spots across the island. The company will take care of everything for HPD, including cars parked near fire hydrants, vehicles in a tow-away zone, and those involved in accidents. So far this year, HPD has towed 25,000 vehicles.
"I only have to answer to them. They only gotta rely on one contractor if they got any questions, or problems or any complaints," Ternora said.
Officials hope this contract will make the experience less painful for the community.
If your car is towed, you can call 911 to find out where your vehicle is located.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
