Hawaii House Bill HCR161

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

If implemented, the construction of elevated crosswalks is expected to have a significant positive impact on pedestrian safety for students commuting to and from Mililani High School. The resolution posits that raised crosswalks make pedestrians more visible to drivers and could potentially reduce crashes by approximately forty-five percent. This initiative is particularly crucial in areas identified as high-traffic zones where students are frequently at risk due to the disregard of drivers for reduced speed limits and traffic laws near schools.

Summary

HCR161, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, aims to enhance pedestrian safety by 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. This resolution addresses the alarming statistics that Hawaii experiences an average of twenty-eight pedestrian fatalities each year, particularly on roads lacking adequate crosswalks. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of improving safety measures, especially considering recent incidents highlighting reckless driving near schools.

Contention

While HCR161 is largely viewed in a positive light for its potential to safeguard students, discussions might arise regarding funding and the prioritization of such projects within the budget allocations of the Department of Transportation. The resolution also calls upon multiple stakeholders, including local government officials and school administrators, to participate in forthcoming safety initiatives, which necessitates collaborative engagement across various community sectors. Potential opposition could arise from a lack of immediate financial resources or competing infrastructure projects that may delay the implementation of elevated crosswalks.