In this respect the [prospective] 51st state is quite different - Puerto Rico, as I understand it, kept their pre-annexation (is that the correct word?) units of measure - I believe that the metric system is widely used there.
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John M. Steele Sent: 23 January 2013 11:12 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:52237] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 It was annexed as a US Territory in 1898. While independent before that, there had been a major British influence for over 100 years, and growing US influence. Almost certainly Customary since 1898, probably some mix of Customary and Imperial before that, at least for trade. If native Hawaiians had some local units they used prior to European discovery and colonialism, they are long lost. _____ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: U.S. Metric Association <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, January 23, 2013 2:54:59 AM Subject: [USMA:52236] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 What units did Hawaii use before it became an American state (ca. early 1960s?) John F-L From: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 3:11 AM To: U.S. Metric Association <mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [USMA:52233] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 Since Hawaii has no land borders with another U.S. state, it can certainly put up metric road signs if it chooses to (barring some surprise ruling or regulation coming from the Feds). One advantage that would have (besides attracting more Asian tourists and investors) would be to make Hawaii seem even more "exotic" to American mainland tourists than it already is. Another "feature" to be added to the islands! :-) -- Ezra _____ From: "John M. Steele" <[email protected]> To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 5:32:39 PM Subject: [USMA:52223] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 It was made legal years (decades??) ago. It was actually done for a while when price went over $1/gallon. When they got new pumps, they went back. I don't think the law legalizing it was ever changed; just nobody does it. _____ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Tue, January 22, 2013 8:24:12 PM Subject: RE: [USMA:52220] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 What's the situation with gas pumps? Isn't it legal to sell gas by the liter? Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't pumps covered under the UPLR? Just wondering. _____ From: John M. Steele <[email protected]>; To: U.S. Metric Association <[email protected]>; Subject: [USMA:52220] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 Sent: Wed, Jan 23, 2013 1:14:25 AM Maybe. I tend to think so, but the situation is confusing. The regulations relative to signs are in the MUTCD (Manual for Unniform Traffic Control Devices). The actual detailed specs for the signs (including example messages) are in SHSM (Standard Highway Signs and Markings). The latest MUTCD (2009) removed all metric message examples and moved all metric dimensions to an appendix. Nothing says they are now illegal, the rationale was "nobody uses them, lets simplify the book." But a companion SHSM has never been issued. So far, they have retained 2004 SHSM and issued a 2012 Supplement only for sample layouts of new signs. The metric message examples are still in 2004 SHSM, but are removed from 2009 MUTCD. It seems to me if any State wanted to use metric signs, it would want to check with the Feds for an opinion, but there are no words that say they have become unlawful with the latest edition. Given their presence in 2004 SHSM, there seems to be adequate layout guidance. Sadly, no State wants to. IF Hawaii passes that bill, 50-0 would become 49-1, but it would be a start.. _____ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: U.S. Metric Association <[email protected]> Sent: Tue, January 22, 2013 6:17:50 PM Subject: [USMA:52214] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 So, the states still have the option of putting up metric-only road signs for speed limits and distances? Sure hope so! -- Ezra _____ From: "Paul Trusten" <[email protected]> To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 7:35:00 AM Subject: [USMA:52213] RE: current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 This is a metrication bill, signs and gas included(grin). But, yes, a statement on the 1988 act should be added to the bill. Thanks, Phil. Paul Trusten, Reg. Pharmacist Vice President U.S. Metric Association, Inc. Midland, Texas USA www.metric.org <http://www.metric.org/> +1(432)528-7724 [email protected] On Jan 22, 2013, at 9:15, Phil Chernack <[email protected]> wrote: It would be nice if the bill made mention of the fact that Congress has already declared SI to be the preferred system of measurement for the U.S. Also, it would be nice if there was a mention of highway signs and gasoline sales. Phil On Tue, Jan 22, 2013 at 4:31 AM, <[email protected]> wrote: I'm going to try to gain more support for this bill. It's one that could set the country on a faster path to usage of SI _____ From: Paul Trusten <[email protected]>; To: U.S. Metric Association <[email protected]>; Subject: [USMA:52207] current status of the Hawaii metric bill, H.B. 36 Sent: Tue, Jan 22, 2013 9:00:44 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB <http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=36&; year=2013> &billnumber=36&year=2013 No virus found in this message. 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