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Residents press for speed cameras, left‑turn review and crosswalk fixes after Pali Highway safety reports
Summary
Neighborhood Board No. 12 heard HPD and residents report December enforcement and collision statistics, a resident thanked state and HPD efforts to add speed enforcement on Pali Highway, a resident described a hazardous zigzag crosswalk at Wood Street that caused a fall, and members discussed requests for a left‑turn signal and repaving on Pacific Heights Road.
Residents and police representatives told Neighborhood Board No. 12 that traffic and pedestrian safety were priorities for the Punchbowl area.
Sgt. Caspera of HPD District 1 presented December statistics and said officers issued enforcement citations in park‑closure operations and for unsafe driving. "We already have four fatalities this month," he said while urging drivers to be attentive. Resident Joseph Chu thanked Sgt. Caspera and Sen. Karl Rhoads for stepped‑up speed enforcement on Pali Highway and for a letter pushing to include the Pali in the 2026 speed‑camera rollout.
Sen. Rhoads' office later confirmed the senator wrote to the Department of Transportation requesting a speed camera at the Pali Highway and Country Club Road intersection and is awaiting a response.
Board members and residents raised other safety concerns: a resident urged a left‑turn signal at the Pacific Heights intersection to address frequent backups and crashes involving care‑home shift traffic; board members cautioned that DTS previously examined that intersection and recommended a formal traffic‑engineering study. A resident also asked for repaving of a long, patchy stretch near a local business because the rough surface causes vehicle vibration and may be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
Separately, a resident reported tripping on a newly installed zigzag crosswalk on Pali Highway at Wood Street, describing a raised 4‑inch curve that is a trip hazard in rainy, dark conditions and urging immediate correction. Mayor's office staff said they would pass the complaint to the appropriate agencies for follow‑up; Director Kim Oshiro said DTS and the state DOT are investigating a bus‑stop delineator issue and that DTS intends to roll out lowered school‑zone speed postings (25 to 20 mph) and replace faded school‑zone signs as part of a phased program.
No formal motions or votes were taken at the meeting because the board lacked a quorum; agencies and representatives committed to follow‑up and feasibility study steps.
