HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has recently completed the installation of a pilot crosswalk improvement project at North School Street and Ahonui Street in Kalihi, with funding from AARP’s Community Challenge grant program.
The crosswalk improvements include the installation of “quick-build” solar-powered rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB), which are pedestrian activated and use high-visibility LED lights to signal the intent of crossing the street. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and commonly referred to as a pedestrian activated crossing beacon, RRFBs reduce pedestrian crashes by roughly 50%. These devices use LED lights that flash at a high frequency when activated to improve pedestrian visibility and encourage drivers to yield.
The pilot project will help Kalihi residents safely cross the street, and assist development in the City’s capacity to install, operate, and maintain these new lower-cost, easy-to-install devices.
“The community has said loud and clear: we want safer streets here in Kalihi”, says District 6 Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. “This is so exciting for the keiki from KPT, the seniors from Kōkua Kalihi Valley, and everyone else who uses North School Street to get around.”
The total cost for this project was $38,540. AARP providing funding for $30,000 of this total cost.
The North School Street corridor is identified as a priority traffic safety corridor in both the 2022 O‘ahu Pedestrian Plan and the 2024 O‘ahu Vision Zero Action Plan. The intersection at Ahonui Street is a busy location surrounded by local businesses, high-frequency bus stops, Kokua Kalihi Valley health center, and many residences. The surrounding area includes populated locations such as Dole Middle School, Ka‘ewai Elementary School, Kalihi Waena Elementary School, Fern Elementary School, Kūhiō Park Terrace and Kūhiō Homes public housing, and Kalihi Valley District Park.
“The cost to install RRFBs are low, but the value and benefit of these simple traffic control devices is high”, said DTS Deputy Director Jon Nouchi. “Pedestrians enjoy safer crossings while drivers are alerted to slow down and yield with high-visibility flashing lights. RRFBs are one additional tool in our transportation safety toolkit which contribute to safer streets for all.”
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