06-17-2015, 08:50 AM
State DOT has very restrictive rules about where school x-ing signs and traffic lights & crosswalks can go on state highways that seem to have nothing to do with the most important consideration in my mind, i.e., keeping our kids safe. As an example, a group of us worked for 6 years to get DOT to put school x-ing signs on the Hwy 130 approach to the traffic light from the Kalapana direction. The resistance was based on the fact that Pahoa El-Hi is not situated exactly on Hwy 130 because it is separated by that triangular lot. The fact that kids use the crosswalk across the highway was not a consideration for DOT. We got around it by threatening to put up our own sign, and a photo op in the local media to shame them. Then we got our sign.
The kids attending HAAS cross the same highway and walk along Post Office Rd. They need the protection that only a light can give. What is the cost of a light compared with safety for our kids? Where are the priorities? The question of whether or not HAAS should have been built where it is, is moot. It was settled long ago. They attempted many other locations before ending up here. They are here now, so let's make it as safe as possible for them.
Another reason for a light on PO Rd.: The plans for the Pahoa District Park include a second entrance/exit coming off PO Rd. The Planning Dept. is working with the property owners across from the PO (the cleared lots) to get a right of way into the park and widening PO Rd is also in the plan. This is to ensure that there won't only be one way in and out of the park (through the community center)once it is fully operational. We can then expect much more traffic coming off of Hwy 130 onto PO Rd in order to access events at the park (and leaving the park. Having a traffic light there will resolve potential problems and avoid traffic hazards. It may be thinking lot term - but not that far in the future, really.
The kids attending HAAS cross the same highway and walk along Post Office Rd. They need the protection that only a light can give. What is the cost of a light compared with safety for our kids? Where are the priorities? The question of whether or not HAAS should have been built where it is, is moot. It was settled long ago. They attempted many other locations before ending up here. They are here now, so let's make it as safe as possible for them.
Another reason for a light on PO Rd.: The plans for the Pahoa District Park include a second entrance/exit coming off PO Rd. The Planning Dept. is working with the property owners across from the PO (the cleared lots) to get a right of way into the park and widening PO Rd is also in the plan. This is to ensure that there won't only be one way in and out of the park (through the community center)once it is fully operational. We can then expect much more traffic coming off of Hwy 130 onto PO Rd in order to access events at the park (and leaving the park. Having a traffic light there will resolve potential problems and avoid traffic hazards. It may be thinking lot term - but not that far in the future, really.