Kailua-Kona
Went for a safety inspection 12MAR’22. There was a double line of vehicles to the street, but my car was overdue. After 20 minutes a man approached and asked what service I was there for (most were there for an oil change). It was another 40 minutes until I pulled up behind a vehicle in the bay and a gentleman performed the first test, checking windshield wiper function. Soon after I was in the bay and within 10 minutes I was seemingly finished, paid and paperwork was hurriedly returned to me. All in all, I was there more than an hour (and had driven 40 minutes from S. Kona) I was never given any indication that my vehicle had in fact failed. And not because of a mechanical deficiency, but because my registration was out of date. I didn’t understand what I needed to do next so called and spoke with Russell, who had signed off on the inspection report. He said he normally explained what to do next with clients but may have been distracted when I was there. I don’t know if that’s true; he had rushed documents back into my hand and did not thank me for my business. Rather than follow Russell’s first bit of advice over the phone: putting my documents in the DMV kiosk at Safeway or DMV, I instead went to Kona DMV yesterday afternoon (3/15). Waited in line 20 minutes and a very nice gal informed me that required information on the failed inspection report generated at Lex Brodie Kona - including the date of inspection - was missing and the document would need to be reprinted. Went back to Lex Brodie where Russell had me wait a short while then successfully printed a fully clear report. When I told him he might expect other clients returning due to a poorly printed document, he said the printer belonged to the state and this was the first time such a thing had happened. I certainly can’t tell you if the last bit is true. Anyway, I returned to the DMV, waited in line at the outdoor walk-up payment booth another 20 minutes, paid, turned over documents and was immediately given a sticker for my rear license plate. I then rushed back to Lex Brodie where I waited a 20 or so minutes until they electronically signed off on the inspection. For Russell’s lack of attention and initial customer care, plus the annoyance and time consumption this cost me, I can only offer 2-Stars. Go elsewhere for an inspection. Kona Coast Customs, up near Costco would have been my choice. I’ve used them, they’re well rated, open M-F 9a -3:45p. No appointments taken. AND HERE’s A CONSTRUCTIVE THOUGHT FOR OWNER, MGR of LEX BRODIE, KONA: How about giving a handout page explaining how to proceed after the inspection? You have newly arrived residents and those who’ve failed an inspection, for whatever reason, the first time. Or give clients a slip of paper referring them to an informative page on your website. That would be thoughtful and appreciated by customers who chose to wait in your long line. I won’t be returning to Lex Brodie Kona, but I think you’d like your next customer to.
Thank you for your feedback. You are correct. More information on what to do next would have helped you tremendously and alleviated any frustrations. If the inspection site fails you for REGISTRATION, that means- everything else passed and you are ready to get your vehicle registered. Our Apology for the confusion. I will take your advice and add a page to our website about SAFETY INSPECTIONS Rules and Procedures. Aloha.... Anita =)
- Kailua-Kona