Pedestrian safety update

We were sad to hear that the 85-yr-old man struck yesterday has died according to this breaking news story. Several hours later today, The Advertiser reports that a 60-yr-old woman was hit by a car on S. King near Ward St. and remains in critical condition. Again, we ask why the pedestrian safety funds have not been released.

Pedestrian Safety Funds Still Not Released

Today, an 85-year-old man was struck in a crosswalk while crossing Kalanianaole Highway in East Honolulu. At this hour, he remains in critical condition. The tragic accident serves as a reminder that there was much controversy earlier this year involving SB1191, Relating to Pedestrian Safety. The legislature passed the bill which appropriated $3 million over two years for pedestrian safety improvements, but because the funds are to be taken from the State Highway Fund, Governor Lingle vetoed the bill. The legislature came back in special session this past summer to override a number of bills, including this one. As of this date, the funds have yet to be released. Why?

Worried about Pedestrian Safety?

Hawaii is a dangerous place for pedestrians, especially senior citizens. Each year, 600 pedestrians are treated for traffic-related injuries and another 36 pedestrians are killed. AARP survey data shows that about 1/2 of all crosswalks surveyed did not allow enough time for persons with limited physical abilities to cross, and over 1/3 were timed too short for other persons.

The workshop will offer ideas for enhancing pedestrian safety and will take your concerns and ideas, including specific locations of dangerous crosswalks. AARP will present the program and discuss proposals for making our roads safer for pedestrians, such improving intersection design, educating pedestrians and drivers, and better enforcing traffic laws.

Sponsored by the Pedestrian Safety Coalition, AARP, Sen. Les Ihara, Jr., House Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, Rep. Barbara Marumoto, Rep. Tom Brower, and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi.

DATE: Saturday, Sept. 29

TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Ali'iolani Elementary School Cafeteria, 1240 7th Ave. (on Waialae Ave.)

To RSVP, call (808) 528-6888 or email pedsafety@gmail.com.

Photo: The Honolulu Advertiser

Pedestrian Deaths Personalized

The Advertiser's new online database is worth checking out. One that caught my eye, due to the potential veto of the pedestrian safety bill, is the list of pedestrian deaths for 2006 and 2007. Compiled by Rod Ohira, the running log is 47 pedestrian deaths statewide and counting. What is stunning, however, is to see the names, the locations of the accidents, and the age of each victim. Not all are elderly, such as 16-year-old Orem Kauvaka from Hau'ula or 19-year-old Erwin Lauronal from Kona. To see it in this format personalizes the issue.

Governor may veto pedestrian safety bill.

Slow down! That's the message we're seeing in more and more neighborhoods as Hawaii residents continue to be hurt or killed in pedestrian accidents. SB1191 strengthens Hawaii's current crosswalk law, but we hear that the Governor intends to veto the bill because funding for the program would be taken out of the state's highway fund. The bill appropriates $1.5 million in 2007-2008, and $1.5 million in 2008-2009 to improve high risk crosswalks and roadways throughout the state, including the installation of more traffic countdown timers. The bill is particularly important to seniors who have difficulty crossing in the time allowed. Pedestrian safety is too critical an issue in our state to quibble over a funding source. The bill should be allowed to become law.