The state is automating payment at a downtown Honolulu parking lot next week, a small convenience upgrade for the public but the end of two staffed jobs at that garage.

• The Mauka lot at Punchbowl and Halekauwila Streets switches to automated payment on September 23rd.
• The lot serves First Circuit Court and the state tax, transportation, and labor offices, so jurors, witnesses, and attorneys will all use the new system.
• State workers with parking permits keep their current arrangement and see no change.
• The two staffers who ran the booth are being moved to other jobs rather than laid off.
• The state says automation speeds up processing and is part of a wider push across its garages.

Outlook: More state parking garages in Honolulu are lined up for the same automated treatment.