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Deadly Pali crossing
gets signal lights

By Jaymes K. Song
Star-Bulletin

Flashing amber lights will illuminate the crosswalk at Pali Highway and Jack Lane starting Thursday.

The lights should flash every time a pedestrian presses the button to cross Pali Highway.

According to LightGuard System Inc., motorists will be able to see the flashes as far as 2,000 feet away.

Residents and state officials are eager to see the lights, but some are disappointed at how long the project took.

Pericles Manthos, state highways administrator, said he wanted it completed last week as promised.

Paula Kurashige, chairwoman of the Nuuanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board, said the lights were promised to be up and running as early as Feb. 28. "Every day it's delayed, it's a disappointment," said Kurashige. "We don't need any excuses, and we don't need anyone killed, either."

Five pedestrians have been killed and more than 200 injured along the 1.3-mile stretch of Pali Highway since 1994.

A LightGuard Systems spokesman, Tom Hamm, said supplies to the islands were delayed.

The pilot project to install the lights will cost $45,400.

If they are successful in reducing pedestrian injuries, the lights most likely will be installed in other areas such as Waianae and Kalihi, Kali said.

TIPS FOR MOTORISTS When lights are activated: Slow down and look for pedestrians. If there is a pedestrian waiting to cross at the crosswalk, stop. TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS Push the button to activate the signal. Look for cars before crossing. Don't assume the car will stop just because the lights are activated. Wait in the median if you cannot get across the divided Pali Highway.