MILILANI, Oahu (KHON2) — The state Department of Transportation says speed tables are a key tool for road safety, cutting the amount of serious injuries in half and pedestrian crashes by nearly 70 percent. But there are some newly installed speed tables in a unique area, catching some drivers off guard.
The state DOT is finishing work on three new speed tables at the H-2 interchange in Mililani to help slow drivers down. So far, it’s not very popular.
“Brah that’s a bummer man,” said Gilbert Cabana, a Mililani resident.
“I think they’re a pain in the butt,” said Darrick Pohaku, a Mililani resident.
The tables are on the H-2 on ramp from Mililani Town, the H-2 off ramp coming from Wahiawa, and the H-2 Mililani Mauka off ramp. All three tables are positioned right before crosswalks that currently don’t have any lights.
“It’s good, but most of the people don’t cross there too much anyway,” said Pohaku. “I mean, as I drive back and forth, I only see people on bicycles or whatever.”
Residents say there have been some close calls over the years. And say the challenge – this interchange splits two large communities. And not everyone can drive from one side to the other.
“There are kids, there are students, there are kupuna who are just doing their daily walks to and from school or down to the town center, so we wanna keep everybody safe,” said Danielle Bass, Mililani Neighborhood Board Chair.
Installation started earlier this week. The DOT says in general, speed tables are installed in areas by request. It’s not clear at the moment who requested these.
‘They should put up one sign notifying the public get something up ahead,” said Cabana.
State DOT says work here, not complete yet. When finished, the speed table will have markings up to the national standard, and crews are scheduled to install pedestrian-activated crosswalk lights here sometime next week.
Despite the response from Mililani drivers so far, community leaders do want a table in another area by Kipapa Park.
“That is the request that we are aware of,” said Bass. “And we’re hopeful for the DOT and the city can work together to put in some speed tables as well as pedestrian lighting to increase awareness to those drivers on the Kuahelani Avenue area nearby Kipapa Elementary School to slow down.”
Drivers say they understand the need for safety for all. And these tables are just something they’ll have to get used to.
“As you said, there’s a crosswalk and it helps reduce speed, but I think it’s a road hazard for me,” said Cabana.