HONOLULU (KHON2) — An Oahu company is being hired to crack down on parking violators, Pono Parking is using a device called the “barnacle” that attaches to car windshields and can be removed once the driver pays a citation, but some lawmakers and community members are questioning whether it is even allowed.
The barnacle is a neon yellow device that uses suction cups to attach to windshields to prevent cars from being driven, an alarm will go off if someone tampers with it.
Pono Parking founder Keoki Anderson said they started deploying the barnacle late last year. They are the only company on Oahu that operates the device. Anderson said this is a better alternative than having a car towed.
“Three simple payment methods to get your deactivation code that you can punch into the keypad and disarm it,” said Anderson. “Take it off and then go about your day.”
Anderson said citations could range from $1 to a couple hundred dollars, depending on how much the person who contracts with them wants to charge.