The Big Island is slated to receive a share of more than $18 million in federal grants to the State of Hawaii from the U.S. Department of Transportation for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks.
The funding comes from DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed in 2021, and builds on previous efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Our roads should be safe for everyone to get around, including pedestrians and cyclists,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development in a statement. “This funding from the historic infrastructure law will improve road and sidewalks and keep our communities safe.”
Hawaii County will be receiving $3.3 million of the allocated grant money.
“We are thrilled to secure substantial funds aimed at enhancing the safety and accessibility of our streets for all our residents,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Thanks to Senator Brian Schatz’s advocacy, we have the opportunity to implement cutting-edge technology in a pilot program on Hilo’s streets. Our gratitude extends to our dedicated team for their tireless commitment to Complete Streets and Hawaii County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.”
The county’s Vision Zero Action Plan was created by the County Council in February, 2019 with the goal of bringing multiple perspectives on how the Big Island can improve traffic safety. The final version of the action plan was published in September 2020, establishing a road map to eliminate traffic deaths. The complete plan can be viewed at hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/vision-zero.
This award will be used by the county to update the Hawaii Island Vision Zero Action Plan, and to pilot technology demonstration activities. This will include using AI to analyze and visualize safety issues at intersections; real-time warnings to intersection users through a variable message board, LED walkway light mat, or beacons; and camera/sensor installation to enable real-time notification to vehicles.
“This project will be conducted in partnership with Waiakea High School and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. We’re targeting intersections on the streets that are adjacent to both: Kawili, Kino‘ole, Kapi‘olani,” said Roth’s Director of Communications Cyrus Johnasen.
