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Principal, parents urge action at Kipapa Elementary crosswalk; committee approves technical amendments
Summary
School principal Dr. Jamille Duarte and parents told the House Transportation Committee on March 25 that a crosswalk near Kipapa Elementary is hazardous; the committee voted to pass HCR137/HR131 as HD1 with technical amendments to study or address the crossing.
Kipapa Elementary School leaders and parents told the House Committee on Transportation on March 25 that a crosswalk used by students and crossing guards is dangerously sited and needs formal review and safety improvements. The committee moved HCR137 and HR131 forward as an HD1 with technical amendments.
Dr. Jamille Duarte, identified as the principal of Kipapa Elementary School, testified in strong support and said students, staff and crossing guards are “almost hit on a daily basis” near the Kwahelani Street crossing. Duarte asked legislators to take the matter up formally so school users’ safety would be considered.
Parent Arianda Collin described near-miss incidents at the crosswalk behind the school on Koheilani Avenue, including one episode in which she said she and an infant in a stroller were narrowly spared being struck. Collin said a blind curve near the crossing makes the location especially hazardous and called for safety enhancements beyond painted stripes or a crossing guard.
Several other registered testifiers—Frank Schultz, Terry Yoshinaga, Jennifer Metrose, Judy Harr, Kiola Taniguchi, Raishin Sato and Corey Oroz—also registered support. The Department of Education provided written comments through Keith Hayashi.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the measure as HD1 with technical amendments for clarity, consistency and style; the roll call showed no recorded opposition in committee decision making. The amended resolution urges the Education Department and the City and County of Honolulu to evaluate the crosswalk and propose measures to improve pedestrian safety for school users.
The resolution asks local agencies to study traffic mitigation and calming options at the specified crossing; it does not appropriate funds or require immediate construction. Committee members noted written testimony will be considered as part of the official record.
