As the city of Honolulu touts its efforts to make streets safer by adding flashing lights to crosswalks, residents of Mōʻiliʻili say a popular one along South King Street has not flashed for almost a year.

In theory, pedestrians who want to cross the busy street in between American Savings Bank and the Times Supermarket can press a button on either side of the street to activate lights hanging over the road. But the sign that boldly invites people to “PUSH BUTTON TO TURN ON WARNING LIGHTS” is false advertising.

The crosswalk draws a consistent stream of users, including grocery shoppers like Matthew Kanno who live walking distance to the market. 

“I usually don’t walk through it even when the light’s working,” he said on a recent Wednesday afternoon as he headed home with groceries.

With six lanes to cross — five for car traffic and another for bicycles — Kanno said he’s wary about crossing unless no cars are coming. That actually usually doesn’t take more than a couple minutes, he added, since there’s a traffic light the next block over at Pāwaʻa Street. 

Maria Salvador, who was on her way to shop for clothes at a thrift store, said she uses the crosswalk about twice a week. At 79, she also waits until no cars are coming.

Civil Beat asked the city Department of Transportation Services what’s up and heard back from spokesperson Travis Ota. He said plans are in the works to replace the flashing light system with a solar-powered reflective flashing beacon system, a system that is currently in the bidding process. It should be installed by summer, Ota said.

In the meantime, he said repairs have been made from time to time. Salvador, though, said the light has been out for a long time, adding that whoever’s in charge, “they have to fix it.”

Who’s Responsible?

Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton, (808) 768-8303.

Fix It!

Fix It! is a reader-driven column focused on solving everyday obstacles — the inoperable and the inefficient amenity, the mundane and major facility fail that escapes the attention of government agencies, but affects our quality of life.

Read More

Got A Tip For Fix It!?

Please tell us where the problem is, as specifically as possible. A cellphone photo would be helpful. Here are ways to get in touch:  

You can submit in minutes using this form. 

You can send us an email at news@civilbeat.org. Put “Fix It” in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost.

You can send a letter to the newsroom at PO Box 10857, Honolulu, HI 96816.

We won’t use your name without your permission but, if we pursue your fix, we will get back to you with what we find.