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‘Live and Let Live’
sign-wavers urge
Leeward drivers
to slow down

The 14th traffic death
in the area this year spurs
residents to get involved

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By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Just a day after the death of Alexander "Alika" Nakoa Jr. in the 14th Leeward traffic fatality this year, people were waving signs along Farrington Highway, urging drivers to slow down to reduce the risk of fatal crashes.

Sign-wavers involved with the Live and Let Live campaign positioned themselves near displays of vehicles wrecked in traffic accidents.

The 1984 Chevy Blazer that Nakoa was driving ran off the highway's Waianae-bound lanes and slammed into a dirt and rock embankment and a utility pole.

The fatal accident occurred at 3:20 a.m. between Waiomea and Laaloa Street near Honokai Hale subdivision.

Nakoa, 20, of Nanakuli, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, and speed may have been a factor, police said.

He was taken in critical condition to St. Francis Medical Center West where he later died from his injuries.

Nakoa's death was the 64th traffic fatality of the year on Oahu, compared to 47 at the same time last year.

In another Oahu danger spot, a 69-year-old Kalihi man was struck by a vehicle at 5:20 a.m. yesterday on N. King Street at Auld Lane. He remains in guarded condition in Queen's Medical Center.

He was not in a crosswalk, police said.

Earlier this month, Cheryl Soon, city transportation services director said her staff would study whether a traffic signal is justified in the vicinity.

11 of 14 deaths were on Farrington Highway This year, the Leeward area has had 14 traffic deaths. Dec. 14: Farrington Highway, driver. Oct. 22: Farrington Highway/Hakimo Road, pedestrian. Oct. 10: Ewa offramp/West of H-1, pedestrian. Aug. 27: Farrington Highway/Kaukama Road, driver. Aug. 27: Farrington Highway/Kaukama Road, driver cycle. Aug. 13: Farrington Highway/Piliokahi Avenue, pedestrian. July 29: Farrington Highway/Kaukama Road, passenger. July 29: Farrington Highway/Kaukama Road, driver. May 14: Farrington Highway/Kaukama Road, passenger. April 9: Farrington Highway/Hakimo Road, driver. Feb. 16: Farrington Highway/Maipalaoa Street, driver. Feb. 6: Fort Weaver Road/Renton Road, pedestrian. Jan. 31: Kalaeloa Boulevard/Kapolei Parkway, driver. Jan. 29: Farrington/Old Government Road, pedestrian.