The city's transportation director agreed with a move by City Council members that urges a two-year moratorium on so-called traffic calming devices to evaluate their cost and effectiveness. Panel backs halt
to speed deterrentsA City official also favors a
moratorium on the traffic devicesBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.comMembers of the public who attended a Transportation Committee meeting on the matter yesterday were divided.
The committee passed Resolution 03-35 CD 1, which establishes a two-year moratorium on budgeting and construction of traffic calming projects.
"I strongly support what they're doing," said Cheryl Soon, director of the Department of Transportation Services.
Council Chairman Gary Okino said, "This is a good time to step back to see whether these things are actually working." He said he also supports the resolution because of the tight budget situation facing the city.
Soon said the city has appropriated more than $15 million for traffic calming devices over the past three years: $2.7 million in fiscal year 2001, $8.9 million last year and $4.14 million this year.
Twenty-five projects already under way in seven districts would be exempt from the moratorium, but Soon estimated a couple of dozen proposed projects would be affected.
Councilman Mike Gabbard opposed the resolution due to the possibility that a community that wants the devices "will be held back."
The various devices, like the bulb-out -- a grass or paved sidewalk extension -- or the roundabout built at Keeaumoku and Heulu streets in Makiki were designed to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by slowing down motorists.
Kailua resident George Bodley testified in favor of the resolution, hoping the city can improve the designs for the devices.
"Some people can't get into their driveway" due to construction of calming devices along Kihapai Street, he said.
"It's just a big mess."
Warren Wegesend Jr., of the Kapolei Community Association, agreed with Gabbard in opposing the resolution, saying that the moratorium would prevent communities that want the devices from getting them.
Foster Village resident Gordon Yuen believes traffic calming devices are needed to deter speeding in his neighborhood. Yuen told committee members that he does not allow his grandchildren to play in the front yard on Haloa Drive out of fear that they would be injured by a speeding vehicle.
Over the years, two cars ended up in his yard due to speeding, he said.
"Something has to be done to slow down the cars," Yuen said.
The measure now goes to the Council.
City & County of Honolulu
