MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- Abandoned vehicles are becoming a big problem aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. They're not only posing a safety hazard for children but also creating an eyesore for the base community. As well, they are taking up extra parking in the limited space of Family Housing and other areas around the installation.
The Military Police Department spends an enormous number of hours to identify and dispose of 350 to 450 abandoned vehicles yearly - valuable time that could be more effectively used in support of its primary mission.
Service and family members here are reminded that they can dispose of an unwanted vehicle, practically hassle-free. Simple procedures are currently in place for any base resident who would like to legally transfer his or her unwanted privately owned vehicles (POVs) to the Provost Marshal's Office or the Auto Skills Center.
PMO Disposal Procedures
1) Notify PMO that you have a vehicle that you would like to donate, and make an appointment for the vehicle drop-off.
2) Provide a clear title to the vehicle (i.e., no liens against the automobile from a financial institution).
3) As the registered owner or lien holder, take the vehicle to the PMO impound lot. If it is not operable, PMO will make arrangements to tow it to the impound lot - free of charge.
4) Complete the "Release to Government" form provided by PMO.
5) Take the form to Legal Assistance Center to get it notarized; then return it to Provost Marshal's Office.
Auto Skills Center
Disposal Procedures
1) Notify the Auto Skills Center that you have a vehicle that you would like to donate, and make an appointment for the vehicle drop-off.
2) Provide a clear title to the vehicle (i.e., no liens against the automobile from a financial institution).
3) As the registered owner or lien holder, take the vehicle to the Auto Skills Center. If it is not operable, the Auto Skills Center will make arrangements to tow it to its lot - also free of charge.
4) Complete a "Certificate of Release/Donation of POV" provided by the Auto Skills Center.
What can happen to my vehicle if I fail to comply with set POV storage procedures?
The Provost Marshal's Office places a warning tag on suspected abandoned vehicles and collects the vehicle information. Afterwards, PMO contacts the respective command and continually tries to contact the last registered owner.
The command or PMO gives the owner an ultimatum: legalize or get rid of your vehicle. If no action is taken, vehicles are towed and impounded.
After 120 days, if no contact can be made with the registered owner, the vehicle is either auctioned at the Auto Skills Center or scrapped.
The Provost Marshal's Office urges service and family members to help maintain a beautiful, safe base.
POV Storage
Another big problem is created when deploying Marines and Sailors fail to properly store their vehicles prior to deploying. Yet, each unit has a designated secure location aboard the installation to store POVs for the duration of any deployment - free of charge to the individual. Unfortunately, some deploying personnel still circumvent the system by storing their vehicles with friends in base housing, or by leaving them behind in various short-term parking lots.
Service members could receive disciplinary action if they deploy without properly storing their vehicle. They could also see the magistrate and lose their base driving privileges.
All deploying Marines and Sailors are reminded to make arrangements with their command to properly store their POVs - prior to deployment.
Base residents can further assist PMO by reporting derelict vehicles to respective area housing inspectors or to the tenant relations manager here at (808) 257-1257.
Inspectors will be on the look out for vehicles that appear to be improperly stored.