While much attention is rightly paid to the quality of education within our schools, a fundamental challenge often goes overlooked: ensuring students can get there in the first place.

In Hawai‘i, 1 in 5 public school students faces chronic absenteeism, with lack of transportation being a significant factor.

This stark reality underscores the urgent need to invest in solutions like the state’s Safe Routes to School program, which directly addresses barriers to school access and paves the way for student success.

Established in 2023 through Act 244 and codified in Hawai‘i’s Statewide Traffic Code, Safe Routes to School is designed to remove the obstacles that prevent students from fully participating in their academic and community life. It’s about ensuring every child, regardless of the circumstances, has safe and reliable access to education.

The state Department of Transportation has a list of 41 Safe Routes to School projects spanning five islands — Maui, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i island, Kaua‘i and Molokai. Some examples of Safe Routes to School solutions range from a shared-use path/sidewalk along Kula Highway and Haleakalā Highway on Maui, to a new shoulder bikeway in Mililani on Oʻahu, to a dedicated pedestrian facility for children to walk or bike to Molokaʻi High School.

Improving Safety And Health

The benefits of a robust safe routes program are multifaceted and far-reaching.

The top priority of Safe Routes to School is to make our streets safer for everyone. The program directly addresses traffic dangers and demonstrably improves safety for our students.

Statistics show a dramatic 44% to 75% decline in pedestrian injuries within safe routes school zones. This translates to fewer accidents, fewer injuries, and a greater sense of security for parents and the entire community.  

Secondly, Safe Routes to School tackles the persistent issue of student absenteeism and tardiness. Lack of transportation disproportionately affects students in disadvantaged communities, creating a significant barrier to consistent school attendance. Studies indicate that safe routes programs can improve attendance rates by up to 2% at participating schools.

Thirdly, Safe Routes to School promotes healthier lifestyles. In an age where inactivity is a growing concern, walking and biking to school provides crucial physical activity for students.

The increase in movement contributes to improved brain function and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Safe routes programs have been shown to increase walking and biking to school by 18% to 37%, with a 5% annual increase for each year the programs are in place. Moreover, fewer cars lead to better air quality, benefiting everyone’s health.

Beyond the immediate benefits, investing in Safe Routes to School is a sound economic decision. Residents could save significant money if they reduced their use of personal vehicles — potentially up to $16,200 per year per household for each vehicle eliminated.

For the state, safe routes offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive school bus programs, which currently cost more than $6.3 million annually.  

State funding is again up for consideration by the Legislature. We’ve seen firsthand the impact of coordinated transportation planning. This funding essential to optimize the safe routes program’s implementation, streamline its processes, re-engage community stakeholders, prioritize high-impact projects, and, most importantly, safeguard the lives of our children.

By supporting Safe Routes to School, our state is investing in the very foundation of our community and ensuring the safety, health, and educational success of our keiki.