County mayor announces goal to eliminate traffic fatalities on Kaua‘i by 2040

A new Kaua‘i County initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities on the Garden Isle by 2040.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami announced the Vision Zero initiative during the annual Keiki Bike & Skateboard Safety Day on Saturday where Wilcox Medical Center passed out multi-use helmets and offered tips for riding bicycles and skateboards safely.

More than 30 children also got to go home with brand-new bicycles following the free event, which were donated by Wilcox employees and the community.

“Whether they’re pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists or driving a passenger vehicle, we just want to educate people and kids so that they are aware, pay attention, drive with aloha and just care for one another,” Kawakami said.

A Vision Zero advisory group will be formed to advise the Mayor’s Office and County Council on safe transportation laws and policies. Kaua‘i County will also continue investing in programs that make roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and more.

The adoption of the Vision Zero initiative also allows Kaua‘i County to seek additional federal funding for local infrastructure improvements.

Other highlights of the event included a bike skills enhancement course by Kaua‘i Path, which taught children how to safely navigate turns and do proper hand signals. Play Streets Kaua‘i gave skateboard lessons and tips with the help of Kaua‘i Skate ʻOhana. Kids could get their bikes tuned up at AlohaCare’s safety inspection station and learn about concussion prevention at educational booths.

“Bike & Skateboard Safety Day is one of our favorite events because it’s a day when the community comes together for our children,” said Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kaua‘i Medical Clinic.