High-tech safety lighting
to be set up on Pali Highway,
and at airport exit

Officials say the system should
also save electricity

By Rod Ohira
Star-Bulletin

State transportation officials are touting the safety features of a new roadway lighting system that will be installed this month on Pali Highway and the H-1 airport exit.

"This is a state-of-the-art, illuminated, all-weather, linear delineation system," Transportation Director Kazu Hayashida said about the 3M Lighted Guidance Tube.

"LGT outlines roadway geometry well in advance of the driver's approach allowing time to adjust speed and maneuver safely through the changes in the roadway. The driver is not confused with competing light sources.

"Mainland studies have shown speed and crash reduction after the installation of LGT."

The state is investing $60,000 in a yearlong demonstration project in which 1,000 feet of LGT will be installed on the right jersey barrier at the horseshoe curve on the Kailua side of the Pali Tunnel.

At the H-1 airport Ewa-bound exit, 500 feet of white-colored LGT will be installed on the right-side railing. There'll be 500 feet of continuous yellow-colored lighting on the left side barrier on another portion of a viaduct.

Ed Shiinoki of 3M says the linear delineation highlights curves and provides better distance judgment for drivers.

LGT features a lamp that shines down into four-inch clear Lexam tubes, which transmits light in a continuous line. One lamp is needed for every 100 feet of tubing, Shiinoki said.

Kansas, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin and New York are among the states currently using LGT. "I know the system works, but I want to see how it works in Hawaii because sometimes what works on the mainland doesn't work here," Shiinoki said. "Safety is our primary concern."

The horseshoe curve on Pali Highway can be especially hazardous when speed and wet weather are factors, but Kailua police say there is not an unusually high number of nighttime crashes there.

"It's a mean turn," police Sgt. Glen Kamanao said. "I've traveled that hairpin the last 30 years and it's a tame road when people stay within the speed limit of 35.

"We have problems there when they're going 50 or 60 and hit their brakes or when it rains."

Kailua Neighborhood Board member and lifelong resident Donna Wong wasn't aware of the state's plans.

"I've never heard anyone complain about the lighting (at the horseshoe curve)," Wong said. "It'll be a lighting controversy if they do anything to the (existing) overhead lighting.

"Even if it's a pilot project, they should have told us about it. I don't know the justification for this but if they had money to spend, I wish they would come to us because we have some other (road) priorities."

The state plans to start installing the LGT at the horseshoe curve Sept. 14. Installation at the airport viaduct is scheduled for Sept. 16-17.

The state says the project will also reduce the electrical consumption from traditional street lights.

The project will be inspected quarterly to review the impact it has on highway safety and electrical savings, say transportation officials.

Speeding persists near Palisades school Star-Bulletin Pacific Palisades Elementary School students and parents are being reminded by Council Chairman Mufi Hannemann and state Rep. Nobu Yonamine that drivers must move slowly and safely. The two lawmakers said the reminder is in response to a persistent speeding problem on Auhuhu Street near Akepa Street, where 6-year-old Jessica Leong was struck by a pickup truck in 1996 while walking to school, suffering fatal injuries. After the incident, Hannemann said he and the city Transportation Services Department began a series of meetings with residents to devise ways to curb speeding. The city since has installed signs and painted parking stalls, and is committed to other traffic-calming measures, he said. "Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the city and concerned neighbors, motorists still are failing to heed traffic laws," Hannemann said. "These thoughtless individuals are endangering the lives of children, and their disregard for safety and courtesy could lead to another tragedy."