KAPAA — Three events are scheduled in Kapaa next month that aim to transform Kawaihau Road so that it meets the needs of all users, including students, pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, transit riders and motorists. “Kawaihau Road provides access
KAPAA — Three events are scheduled in Kapaa next month that aim to transform Kawaihau Road so that it meets the needs of all users, including students, pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, transit riders and motorists.
“Kawaihau Road provides access to three schools — Kapaa Elementary, Kapaa High, and St. Catherine’s — and it also serves as a major connector for the surrounding areas,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
“This project will enhance road safety for everyone who lives and works in the area as well as for the schools. I encourage the public to join us for this important discussion.”
The Complete Streets and Safe Routes to School events are sponsored by the Department of Public Works in partnership with the following organizations: Get Fit Kauai and its Safe Routes to School Task Force; Kapaa Elementary School; Kapaa High School; and St. Catherine School.
The public is invited to share their ideas at any or all of the following events:
• Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Kapaa Elementary School cafeteria – Workshop to focus on walkability and identify potential enhancements.
• Wednesday, Sept. 4, 8 to 9 a.m., begin and end at Kapaa Elementary School parking lot – Walking audit of Kawaihau Road to experience conditions firsthand.
• Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. Catherine Parish Hall – Presentation by walkability expert Dan Burden on the findings from the previous days’ events.
Over the last 35 years, Burden has helped thousands of communities throughout the world with becoming more pedestrian friendly. He flew to Kauai earlier this year to facilitate the Poipu Road design workshop.
“Kauai has been first with many things in looking out for their keiki. Now it is time to set newer and higher expectations,” said Burden. “By enhancing safety around the three Kapaa schools, we will make it easier for the children to enjoy greater freedom and more active lifestyles.
Burden also noted that although the school communities and residents of the Kawaihau District will directly benefit from this project, the results of the study will serve as a template for improvements to all of Kauai’s schools and other important places on the island.
