what I am saying is that once on a visual approach, and this is getting a little obtuse now, that you are no longer under IFR.
Absolutely NOT. Flying visual approach you remain under IFR at all times. Terrain clearance is pilot's responsibility separation from other traffic is ATC's responsibility unless pilot requests visual separation from other identified traffic. see 6.5.3.4 Separation shall be provided between an aircraft cleared to execute a visual approach and other arriv- ing and departing aircraft.
No ATC will ever give takeoff clearance on adjacent runway e.g dep 04 HNL till the aircraft shooting a visual on 08 has touched down safely. There's still such thing as separation applicable to any controlled airdrome.
