Take a number

LIHUE — The County’s Drivers License Division is piloting a take-a-number system that started Monday to make acquiring licenses and permits for drivers of motor vehicles and customers seeking Hawaii Identification Cards more efficient and comfortable.

Joyce Evans, a teacher at Waimea High School, waited her turn Monday afternoon.

“I need the gold star,” Evans said. “I thought I would take advantage of the break to get it before I get too busy to remember.”

She waited patiently with a pair of numbers — one that she pulled from the machine, and another that was discarded on the nearby table.

Michelle Lizama of the Finance Department explained there are two machines that dispense numbers — one is meant for customers doing auto registration, and the other for driver licensing.

“There are two sets of numbers,” Lizama said. “The ones for auto registration has just two digits while the driver licensing machine puts out three digits.”

Customers share a common waiting area that has more seats added for convenience, waiting to hear when their number is called for servicing.

“With the recent reminder of the REAL ID compliant identification, the lines at the Drivers License Division have increased,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “To make the process more comfortable and efficient for our customers, we are implementing a take-a-number system similar to what we have in place at the Motor Vehicle Registration office starting on Monday.”