Reporting from Honolulu, Hawaii, this week, I have come across an interesting choice of parking options. Some of the parking lots in Waikiki offer an option to pay per half hour (about $3 per 30 minutes) or the other option is to Pay-In-Advance, also called PIA, a flat rate of around $7. The PIA rate doesn't seem to be advertised -- it is written in small lettering at the car park entry. I have the impression it is meant for locals.
On my first attempt at parking in Waikiki, I was totally unaware that the PIA option existed -- because I didn't read the fine print posted on the attendant's booth, and I just grabbed a ticket and drove on through. After about 5 hours I was facing a $30 parking fee, but the friendly car park attendant let me slide. Possibly we were mistaken for locals because my wife is from the Pacific Rim.
I find this fee model interesting. It is not a natural reaction for the parking lot patron to examine the sign posted on the attendant's booth, which would only be visible after you take the ticket. So I would suggest that that patron would really have to be aware of this rate ahead of time. But how do they find out about it? The attendant could tell the customer about the PIA option, but the customer does not interact with the attendant until they exit the car park, and at that point it is too late. It seems to function as an unofficial and informal local discount which allows the tourists to pay full price.
The savings could be substantial if you are parking all day. How do you take advantage of the discount? All you have to do is ask.
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