The city’s Department of Transportation Services recently installed a solar-powered rapid-flashing beacon on North School Street at Ahonui Street in Kalihi as part of a pilot improvement project to help pedestrians safely cross the street.
When activated by the pedestrian, the LED lights of the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon flash at a high frequency, alerting motorists to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the beacon reduces pedestrian crashes by about 50%.
“The community has said loud and clear: we want safer streets here in Kalihi,” said District 6 Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam in a release. “This is so exciting for the keiki from KPT, the seniors from Kokua Kalihi Valley, and everyone else who uses North School Street to get around.”
The project cost $38,540. AARP’s Community Challenge grant program provided $30,000 of the total cost.
The 2022 Oahu Pedestrian Plan and 2024 Oahu Vision Zero Action Plan both identify the North School Street corridor as a priority traffic safety corridor.
The beacon was placed at the Ahonui Street intersection because of its busy location surrounded by local businesses, high-frequency bus stops, Kokua Kalihi Valley health center, and many residences. The surrounding area also includes Dole Middle School, Kaewai Elementary School, Kalihi Waena Elementary School, Fern Elementary School, Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes public housing, and Kalihi Valley District Park.
“The cost to install RRFBs is 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.”
