Safety issue
I am concerned about the speeding on Kaumuali‘i Highway in Kekaha between Davidson Point and Kekaha Beach Park. This shoulder of the highway is constantly used by the Kekaha community — walking, jogging, riding bicycles or just enjoying the spectacular view and sunsets. It is dangerous to be so close to speeding vehicles, while using the shoulder and crossing the highway is also unsafe.
I have been in communication with both Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) for more than a year to address this safety issue. Both groups have monitored vehicle speeds and have concluded that most cars are traveling over 40 mph in a 35 mph zone.
HDOT has responsibility for installing traffic calming measures on this section of the highway. I was told that this section of the highway doesn’t meet their criteria for traffic calming measures or a reduced speed limit. In my opinion, it is unacceptable that they will not address the speeding problem.
KPD is responsible for enforcement. If KPD has tried to enforce the speed limit, it has not been effective. I have never seen a car pulled over for speeding on this section of the highway. If you have a concern about the speeding and the danger it presents to the Kekaha community, please contact HDOT and KPD so that action is taken to address this safety issue.
Mahalo.
Rich Gioscia, Kekaha
