Calls for change after deadly Kalihi incident

In Kalihi, Oahu, a tragic incident occurred on Monday evening, Sept. 22, resulting in the death of a 58-year-old woman who was hit by a male motorist while using a crosswalk at Kokea and North School Street intersection. The driver fled the scene, sparking concern among the local community. Residents are calling for safety improvements in the area, noting the lack of stop signs and speed limit indicators, which contribute to speeding vehicles in the neighborhood. Donald Guerrero, a long-time resident, shared his challenges navigating the area as a wheelchair user, emphasizing the need for considerate driving behavior. The Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board member, Simeone Rojas, echoed the call for measures such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and improved lighting to enhance pedestrian safety. Rojas highlighted issues like poor visibility of pedestrian signs and the recurring accidents in the region, stressing the importance of adhering to speed limits for everyone's safety. City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam emphasized the urgency of addressing road safety in the North School Street area and implementing interventions to prevent future incidents. This recent fatality marks the 63rd traffic-related death on Oahu this year, a significant increase from the previous year. Authorities are seeking information on the unidentified motorist involved in the incident.