Call for Swift Action to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths

What happens when there is a menacing threat? A crackdown on security happens which is achieved through increased control. What further restrictions can we place upon the pedestrians to facilitate traffic flow? Crosswalks have already been eliminated or changed locations - along with less bus stops. The city of Honolulu needs to look at traffic engineering changes that can be done to satisfy both contenders who are fighting for the same square footage of earth.

The "No Right On Red" intersection in Chinatown at River Street and Beretainia should be changed to "No Right Turn." Here during peak traffic, autos are unable to turn right more than one automobile per "green" light because so many people are crossing during the green light. The driver compensates by partially entering the intersection so able to complete right turn after light turns red. A defensive reaction at the perceived 'herding" increases heart rate and anxiety for pedestrians.

This problem intersection at River and Beretainia should be tested with a simple "No Right Turn" at anytime or coned during peak traffic times. The two lanes would then be used to make a left turn only. Remove the redundant crosswalk on the bridge side to increase traffic flow turning left. A simple sign may be an inconvenience to some but the greater good would be achieved.

Presently during peak traffic times, the gridlock on River Street goes back to Nimitz and is combined by the many cars idling in queue in bike lane that are waiting to park at full lots on Nimitz. Those who are exiting from Chinatown to make a right turn onto Nimitz must then use the next inner lane to enter traffic to get around those standing cars.

Upstream traffic on the multi-laned Nimitz who are driving towards Chinatown from Waikiki upon seeing a traffic jam begin merging to the left. A chaotic wave of disturbance travels though out the traffic flow when a car swings out past the queued cars one and half or two lanes. Drivers must choose between merging to the left quickly or slow to a dead stop.