Surge in pedestrian crashes on Oahu highlights disturbing trend

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or pounding the pavement, these days, it seems just about everyone’s in a hurry — all while trying to navigate the many obstacles and hazards on, and near, Oahu’s roadways.

“We’re seeing an uptick in calls involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles,” said Honolulu Emergency Medical Services paramedic supervisor Sunny Johnson.

Between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 11, 2024, Honolulu EMS responded to 137 pedestrian crashes — a number that has already surpassed last year’s total of 121. That’s a 13% increase. And the year’s not over.

Meanwhile, the Honolulu Police Department says fatal crashes are up nearly 40% from 11 in 2023 to 15 so far this year.

HNN Investigates

Johnson says recently many pedestrian crashes seem to have the same thing in common: “Specifically, homeless populations being struck by vehicles in high traffic roadways.”

EMS says there have been at least two instances already this month.

On Dec. 2, a woman in her 60s was killed after getting hit by a car while walking near the corner of Vineyard Boulevard and Pali Highway around 2:30 in the afternoon.

Then, on Dec. 10, a 20-year-old was the victim of a hit-and-run on Sand Island. According to HPD records, the man was struck as he ran across Sand Island Access Road a few minutes after midnight. He was rushed to the hospital in serious condition.

“Sometimes the homeless populations, they’re dealing with mental instability, possibly substance abuse,” Johnson said. “We’ve all seen it. They’re kind of wandering in and out of the roadways.”

HNN Investigates asked HPD if it’s doing anything specifically about camps that line the roadside.

Department spokesperson Michelle Yu responded, “While it’s not illegal to be on a median, pedestrians may be cited for being on the roadway or obstructing traffic.”

As for the city, Homeless Coordinator Sam Moku told HNN Investigates, prior to any homeless sweeps, “service providers and sometimes HPD assist with working with our homeless to find them services and or shelter.”

The city says it’s also taking steps to cut down on the number of crashes happening at high injury intersections.

According to the Blangiardi administration, between 2015 and 2020, there were 92 fatal or serious injury crashes in the South King Street corridor from Alapai Street to Punahou Street. This includes crashes involving pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.

The city says the top three “high injury” intersections on Oahu are: South King and Keeaumoku streets, South King and Piikoi streets, and South King Street and Ward Avenue.

The city says it’s prioritized those intersections on its “Oahu’s Pedestrian Plan,” which allows the city to access funding for safety improvements.

Currently, the city is working toward making crosswalk upgrades and curb extensions in the area of South King and Piikoi streets.

The Department of Transportation Services says it recently added bike lanes in both directions on Ward Avenue, between Ala Moana and South King Street — improving both bicycle and pedestrian safety.

At South King and Keeaumoku, the city says it’s in the planning design stage for a major roadway rehabilitation project. Safety improvements being considered include things like improved pedestrian crossings and protected bike lanes.

“Something we can do as a community is be aware this is an issue,” Johnson said.

She urges drivers to be particularly vigilant in low-lit areas and during certain times of the day and night.

“Early in the morning when the sun’s not completely out yet. Or when the sun’s in people’s eyes or the evening times. When it’s dark it’s hard to see people in the roadways,” Johnson said.

The city is also urging drivers to slow down and pay attention, saying speed is a contributing factor in about a third of all fatal crashes — while inattention to driving is a factor in almost 40% of fatal crashes.

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