Hawaii Senate Bill SR95

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Passed: 3/31/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation And The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Construct Elevated Crosswalks Along Meheula Parkway Near Mililani High School.

Impact

The construction of elevated crosswalks is proposed as a vital measure to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety, potentially reducing pedestrian accidents by as much as forty-five percent. This initiative aims to protect students commuting near high-traffic areas around Mililani High School, making their routes safer. Furthermore, it represents an important step by local transportation authorities to address and mitigate risks associated with reckless driving behaviors evident in school zones.

Summary

Senate Resolution 95 (SR95) urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu to construct elevated crosswalks along Meheula Parkway near Mililani High School. The resolution highlights the alarming frequency of pedestrian fatalities in Hawaii, averaging twenty-eight deaths annually, particularly on roads lacking adequate crosswalks. It emphasizes the critical risks students face while walking to and from school, especially given the history of driver negligence related to speed limits and yield laws around educational institutions, exemplified by the tragic death of a McKinley High School student.

Contention

While the resolution received unanimous support during voting in the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee, it is vital to observe that such initiatives often encounter various challenges. Funding allocation and logistical execution are common concerns in similar projects. The resolution itself serves as a formal request but does not mandate immediate action, leaving open the potential for community advocacy and ongoing discussions around local transportation safety measures.