Committee passes resolution to improve visibility at Kwahelani Avenue crosswalk near Kipapa Elementary

The House Committee on Education passed HCR137/HR131 HD1, urging the Department of Transportation, the Department of Education and the City and County of Honolulu to implement visibility enhancement measures at the Kwahelani Avenue crosswalk at Kipapa Elementary School.

The Department of Education offered written testimony and student-transportation staff Megan O'Mora "stood on our written testimony." Principal Jamil Duarte testified via Zoom and said he was "in strong support, to ensure the safety of our students on Kwahelani Avenue Crosswalk." The committee recorded widespread support in written testimony and several online supporters noted the safety need.

Committee members said they were discussing the measure with the state Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu and would prioritize follow-up; the chair said it was "generating a lot of good support" and that ongoing coordination was underway. The committee voted to pass the resolution as is; Representatives Woodson and Amato were excused. The chair announced the recommendation was adopted.

The resolution requests visibility and crossing improvements but does not appropriate funds. Committee members indicated state and city transportation agencies are engaged in follow-up work and the Department of Education will continue to coordinate with school leadership on site-specific options.

Principal Duarte and DOE staff asked the named agencies to consider signage, pavement markings, sight-line improvements and other measures to make the crosswalk safer for students and community pedestrians.