Some government services are obvious — the entire Island, for instance, especially Waikiki, would never look as good as it does if it weren't for the city's efforts to keep it clean and maintained. And the Island's parks, beaches, highways and ocean playground wouldn't draw nearly as many visitors if the state decided it would no longer function as steward of the land and surrounding waters.

Many government agencies aren't so visible i such as the Children's Justice Center of O'ahu, a section of the state Judiciary branch that provides a warm, child-friendly facility in which social workers can interview traumatized victims of child sex abuse. Or, the state workers who maintain hiking trails on Tantalus and in Manoa Valley. Or, whoever it is from the state Department of Agriculture who checks planes at the airport to make sure no stowaway snakes slither into our pristine paradise.

Do residents take these services for granted? Of course they do, but not because they're footing the bill as taxpayers. They simply don't know about most of them, and don't think much about the rest. Truth is, unless they work for or do business with the government itself, most people rarely have a need to interface with the government.

Hot Spots takes a look at some of the government offices most of us need at some point in time. Not surprisingly, there are only a few. Here's how to reach them:

DRIVER LICENSE

Everyone who drives any type of motorized vehicle in Hawai'i is required to be tested and licensed. All the driver licensing stations (Fort Street, Kaneohe, Wahiawa, Pearl City, Windward Mall, Kapolei, Waianae and the Commercial Driver License office at 99-501 Salt Lake Blvd.) have a statewide computer/ camera licensing system. With the new system, licenses are issued immediately rather than being mailed in six weeks.

Driver License Locations

Written and Road Test Hours — Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

• Kalihi-Kapalama
  Information: 532-7730, Road Testing: 832-4117
• Pearl City
  Information: 453-2400, Road Testing: 453-2400
• Wahiawa
  Information: 621-7255, Road Testing: 621-7255
• Waianae
  Information: 696-6648, Road Test: 696-6648.
  Mondays and Wednesdays ONLY, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Kapolei
  Information: 692-5100, Road Testing: 692-5100

MARRIAGE LICENSE

To obtain a copy of a marriage license, write or go to the vital statistics office in the state or area where the blessed event occurred. On O'ahu, that would be:

• State Dept of Health
  Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Records Section
  P. O. Box 3378
  1250 Punchbowl Ave., Rm.103
  Honolulu, HI 96801
  (808) 586-4539

CAMPING PERMIT

First, call the park you wish to inquire about for availability. Phone numbers for the facilities are in the Verizon Hawai'i telephone book, in the front section under City and County Offices, Department of Park and Recreation.

Next, complete and submit an "Application for Use of Park Facilities" form no later than three weeks prior to the date you wish to use the facility. The forms can be obtained at any park or at the Parks Permit Office at 650 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813.

For more information please call the Parks Permit Office at 523-4527. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays.

DOG LICENSE

All dogs over 4 months of age are required to be licensed. Applications and the license may be purchased from the Hawaiian Humane Society (946-2187) or any satellite city hall.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Fees are $10 for dogs 4 months through 7 months and neutered dogs 8 months or older, $28.50 for UNNEUTERED dogs 8 months old and over.

SATELLITE CITY HALLS

Satellite City Halls provide many government services and handle all vehicle registration and renewal transactions for the general public. For information concerning the satellites, their services, and hours, call 527-6695.

Convenient Locations: