Hawaii has recently experienced a rise in traffic-related fatalities, with 102 deaths reported in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year, according to a Spectrum News report. In response, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is implementing several initiatives to enhance pedestrian safety.
Kari Benes, highway safety manager, highlighted the introduction of overhead pedestrian-activated lights.
“Our engineers are working to install overhead pedestrian-activated lights,” she said. “These are streetlights that a pedestrian can activate, and the nice thing is they are solar-powered.”
These lights are slated for installation on Oahu and neighboring islands.
HDOT's Walk Wise Hawaii program celebrated its 15th Annual Pedestrian Safety Month in August 2024, focusing on daily pedestrian education and driver awareness.
Additionally, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program aims to develop pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure within a one-mile radius of public schools, promoting safer travel for children.
Despite these efforts, funding remains a challenge. An analysis revealed that less than 2% of HDOT's capital improvement program budget between fiscal years 2019 and 2024 was allocated to pedestrian and driver safety projects.
Residents are encouraged to report safety concerns through HDOT's online comment form, which includes a geo-locator to assist engineers in pinpointing issues.
Source: Hawaii Department of Transportation, KHON2.com, Spectrum News
