Shootz! A Rally For Sara Yara And A Sensational Court Appearance

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s two-day visit to the state highlighted challenges with local infrastructure.

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DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s two-day visit to the state highlighted challenges with local infrastructure.

A roadside gathering capturing the lingering sense of loss for a McKinley High School student, as well as a sensational turn of events in federal court drew our attention in Hawaii this week.

Honolulu Police Department officers along with the family and friends of Sara Yara gathered on Saturday to memorialize the teen who was struck and killed by a hit-an-run driver in February 2023 while crossing Kapiolani Boulevard. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)
Sara Yara’s death in Kamakee on the way to McKinley High School has become a lightning rod for community concerns over pedestrian safety, speeding and unlicensed drivers. Her death has also prompted calls for legislative reform and the closer monitoring of repeat offenders on our roads. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)
Accompanied by Hawaii’s congressional delegation and the director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation Ed Sniffen, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg receives instruction from Kahu Cordell Kekoa regarding the maile lei he holds, as the new Kapalama Container Terminal is readied for the final phase of construction for transportation company Pasha Hawaii. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)
Civil Beat reporter Marcel Honore, left, speaks with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the end of a two-day trip to Maui and Oahu, where Buttigieg highlighted federal investment in local infrastructure and the challenges posed by climate change in the state. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg meets some of his local staff members Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Lahaina. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)
During his visit to Lahaina Wednesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shares a light moment with some of his local staff members. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)
Burned cars are wrapped and removed from Lahaina town Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)
Wrapped-up cars burned in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire travel south of Honoapiilani Highway on Wednesday. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)
Sheri Jean Tanaka, right, an attorney and defendant in a high-profile Honolulu corruption case, arrives at federal court for a bail hearing Friday, accompanied by her attorneys. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)
A study of composition: columns and a corridor compose lines of perspective while the person adds a sense of scale at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Honolulu. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)
A study of composition. Columns and a corridor create leading lines of perspective while the person adds a sense of scale at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building on Friday in Honolulu. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024)

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