Hawaii House Bill HR39

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/2/26
• Refer: 4/2/26
• Refer: 4/8/26
• Passed: 4/8/26

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation Services For The City And County Of Honolulu To Install Raised Crosswalks At The University Avenue, Lauiki Street, And Kamoku Street Intersections With Hihiwai Street To Improve Pedestrian Safety Near Ala Wai Elementary School And The Surrounding Community.

Impact

The implementation of raised crosswalks is expected to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance driver awareness in school zones, which aligns with the City and County of Honolulu's Vision Zero goals. This commitment aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrian safety. The resolution emphasizes the responsibility of local government to protect its residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as schoolchildren and the elderly ('kupuna').

Summary

House Resolution 39 (HR39) focuses on improving pedestrian safety in Honolulu by urging the Department of Transportation Services to install raised crosswalks at critical intersections near Ala Wai Elementary School. These locations—which include intersections at University Avenue, Lauiki Street, and Kamoku Street with Hihiwai Street—exhibit high pedestrian traffic, particularly from schoolchildren and families. The initiative aims to enhance visibility and safety for pedestrians navigating these busy areas, which currently lack adequate traffic-calming measures.

Contention

Although the resolution is a step towards addressing pedestrian safety, discussions may arise around funding and the priority of such infrastructure projects amidst other community needs. Advocates for the resolution note the critical risks currently faced at these intersections, while opponents may argue about the allocation of resources or challenge the efficiency of raised crosswalks compared to other safety measures. The local community's reaction and engagement in the decision-making process will be pivotal in the resolution’s success.