HONOLULU -- Despite an abundance of publicity, many people were still caught by surprise by Friday's furlough and closed state department offices.

One couple traveled to the Department of Health from Waianae in need of a birth certificate to get medical care for their son.

"It's really important. The economy is so bad there are only certain days that we can come out, and because the kids were out today it was easier for us to come," Virginia Nakama said.

Another man needed to get an identification card to apply for aid.

"I didn't know about this. I did not know it was closed," Jose Aponte said.

It was the same story at other places needed by people in need -- the unemployment and tax offices and public health clinics.

To reduce confusion at three closed health centers, Department of Health staff called more than 300 people to reschedule appointments

The biggest source of inconvenience was the state court parking lot. It was closed because attendants were furloughed even though the courthouse was open.

"We drove around the block about three times already and there is no parking close enough to get to the courtroom," Maile Sale said.

City parking enforcement was not on furlough. To avoid a ticket one family paid $10 to park in a private lot.

"We were almost late," Maria Lovediro said.

"They should have it open for the people who got to come to court," Fred Lovediro said.

Another worry was that family court threat victims were unable to keep cars nearby.

"Now we have people wandering the streets, circling around all by themselves. It is just not a safe environment," attorney David Hayakawa said.

Although the court system will start closing the courthouses next month, its schedule does not always match the parking lot closures. So, on some days the parking lot will be open when nobody needs it. (Check the Judiciary furlough schedule)