Hawaii Council to Consider $2.6M Bill for Keonepoko School Pedestrian Safety
The Hawaii County Council's Committee on Finance is set to consider Bill 91 on Wednesday, which seeks to allocate over $2.6 million for pedestrian safety projects near Keonepoko Elementary School in Pahoa. The bill, introduced by Councilman Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, aims to enhance safety for students walking to and from school along Kahakai Boulevard. The proposed improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety around schools. Similar projects are ongoing in Hilo and Pahoa. If approved by the committee, the bill will move forward to the full County Council for further consideration. The funding for these projects consists of $530,000 from the county and $2.1 million from federal grants. Specific project designs have not been made public, but typical Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects can include sidewalk improvements, traffic-easing measures, crosswalk enhancements, and safety signage. The county selects qualifying projects based on their location and scope, with those within one mile of a school and improving pedestrian or bicycle access eligible for federal SRTS funding. The Kahakai Boulevard Safe Routes to School - Keonepoko projects aim to improve pedestrian infrastructure along a heavily traveled corridor used by many students. The Committee on Finance will consider Bill 91 on Wednesday, with the potential to significantly enhance safety for students walking to and from Keonepoko Elementary School.
