Streetwise

Kailua’s most popular
streets may be the
most dangerous

A planned median strip
may make Kailua Road
and Hahani Street safer

By Alisa LaVelle
Star-Bulletin

Kailua residents aren't happy with a half mile stretch of Kailua Road and Hahani Street.

"It's one big absolute mess," said Terry Carroll, Kailua Neighborhood Board member, noting the board has been frustrated on how to alleviate the problems.

"We've been tagging cars like crazy," said Kailua district Capt. Harry Auld, pointing out the police have been issuing citations to any motorist who goes into a crosswalk with pedestrians in it.

"I advise caution (for pedestrians) and never to assume cars can see you," Auld said.

With limited parking, most people park their cars and walk to businesses. Children cross the streets to get to the theater and bowling alley from schools.

"The children crossing by Longs become sitting ducks," said Rep. Cynthia Thielen.

Problems start with traffic from many directions. Kailua, Kaneohe and Enchanted Lake residents come onto Kailua Road to get to the cluster of businesses and public services.

Motorist zip along, block lanes and become edgy waiting, said City Councilman Steve Holmes.

He said people are looking for traffic in only one direction, and definitely not looking for pedestrians.

A solution is to install a median strip down the middle of Kailua Road and Hahani Street, Holmes said.

"A $975,000 budget has been approved," Holmes said. It will be about 18 months until construction.

The project includes looking into ways to make pedestrians more visible to motorists and make the area aesthetically pleasing, Holmes said.

Workers at nearby businesses acknowledged that shops that opened recently on Hahani Street increased traffic, but felt the problems existed a long time before the new shops.

Ashley Guy, Jamba Juice shift leader, said part of it is that none of the exits or entrance are marked.

Research by by the neighborhood board found the intersection of Kailua Road and Hahani Street to be the "most dangerous in Kailua."

"We were told that our study doesn't justify any actions because there are no accidents reported," said Juanita Schiltz, former Kailua Neighborhood Board traffic committee chairwoman. Police confirm that no collisions have been reported.

"It's scary crossing the street here," said Janelle Fujii, 14.

She and her classmates crossed the road about once a day while attending Kailua Intermediate School, she said.

"They're (motorists) so impatient," said Fujii, who has lived in Kailua all her life.

"You can't tell who has the right of way," said Eileen Laughlin, Olomana Association president.

Carroll said the city should be trying to prevent accidents.

Carroll asked, "Why wait until we have an accident like the ones on Pali Highway" that have kill pedestrians in Nuuanu?

City Transportation Director Cheryl Soon could not be reached for comment.

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Streetwise

Roadwork planned this week throughout Oahu:

LEEWARD OAHU

Ewa Beach

Farrington Highway, Piliokoe Bridge to vicinity of Aliinui Drive; Fort Weaver Road from Farrington Highway to Hanakahi Street.

Maili

Ehu, Hakeakea and Waapuhi streets.

Waianae

Kaukamana Street to St. John's Road; Kulaaupuni Street from Ohiohi Place to Kaukamana Street; Kaukamana Street; and Farrington Highway at Maliona Street.

NORTH OAHU

Haleiwa

Haleiwa Bypass Road; and Helemano-Waialua Junction to Haleiwa Beach Park.

Waialua

Kaukonahua Road.

CENTRAL OAHU

Kunia

Kunia and Fort Weaver roads near the Kunia Interchange; Kupuna Loop to Farrington Highway; the H-1 Freeway Ramps 5, 5A and 5B and other Kunia Interchange on ramps; and H-1, vicinity of Kunia IC.

Wahiawa

Kilani Avenue from Holoku Place to Ilima Street; Whitmore Avenue from Kamehameha Highway to Military Gate; and Mala Street.

Mililani

Mililani Interchange.

Waipahu

Kahuamoku Place; Kipou Street from Hulahe to Honowai street; Honowai Street from Kipou to Hoaeae streets; Hoaeae Street from Honowai Street to near the Hoaeae Pumping Station.

Waiawa

Waipahu Street to Waiawa Road.

Waimalu

H-1, Waimalu Viaduct to Halawa Interchange.

Waipio

Farrington Highway, Leoole to Awanui streets; Paiwa to Leoku streets; Awanui Street to Waipio Point Access Road; and Pupupuhi Street to Waikele Road.

HONOLULU

Moanalua

Moanalua Freeway Ramps; vicinity of Ala Kapuna to Ala Napunani; South and North Frontage roads; and Moanalua Road intersection from Kaahumanu Street to Moanalua Loop.

Kalihi

Makuahine and Kalihi streets; Dillingham Boulevard between Waiakamilo Road and North King Street; Kamanaiki Street from Violet to Laulani streets; and Moani, Laulani, Puolani, Noe and Pahulu streets.

Liliha

Liliha Street from North King Street to Vineyard Boulevard.

Nuuanu

Nioilupa Drive; Kaohinani Drive from Kimo to Pelekane drives; Kahawalu Drive between Kaohinani and Niolopua drives; Dowsett Avenue to Hinalo Place; Pali Highway from Country Club Road to the tunnel entrance, including both roads to Lookout; Kimo Drive bridge; and Old Pali Road.

Kakaako

Keawe Street on Ala Moana, South and Queen streets, and Nimitz Highway and River Street to end at Hotel Street; and Coral Street from Ala Moana to Auahi Street.

Pauoa

Star Road from Kanealii Avenue to end.

Makiki

Round Top and Tantalus drives; and Lewalani Drive from Clio Street to Wilder Avenue.

Moiliili

University Avenue and South King Street intersection; and Kahoaloha Lane from Kuilei Lane to South King Street.

Palolo

Keanu Street between 8th Avenue and Sierra Drive; and 9th and 10th avenues between Keanu Street and Waialae Avenue.

Punahou

Spreckels Street.

Waialae

Kealaolu Avenue Road from Leahala to Waialae avenues.

WINDWARD OAHU

Hauula

Keala, Kawaipapa and Puuowaa roads; and Waikulama Street.

Kailua

Ililani Street from Mokapu Boulevard to Iliwahi Loop; Iliwahi Loop from Ilimano to Ilimano streets; Iliaina Street from Ililani Street to Iliwahi Loop and from Ilihau Street to end; Ilikaa Place; Kalaheo Avenue; and Kainui Drive.

Waimanalo

Flamingo and Ahiki streets; Kaaiai Street from Huli to Nakini streets; and Kumuhau Street from Waikupanaha to Mahailua streets.

Kaneohe

Keaahala Road from Anoi Road to Keaahala Place; and Kahekili Highway at Likelike Highway.

EAST OAHU

Hawaii Kai

Kalanianaole Highway from Nawiliwili Street to Sandy Beach Park Entrance; and Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach.