City wants to build new walkway in Haleiwa

$3 million project means safer streets

By Cam Tran

Published  7:28 PM HST Jul 13, 2012

After a 20-year push from residents and community leaders, a pedestrian walkway could finally be coming to Haleiwa.

The city of Honolulu just approved $2.8 million to design and build a walkway through the heart of town.

Tourists and locals walk along the uneven pavement next to the busy Kamehameha Highway

"It's pretty obvious to everybody that this is a safety issue," said Antya Miller executive director of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.
    
The paved walkway would make it easier for pedestrians, those in wheelchairs and parents with strollers to maneuver through the central Oahu town.

"It sounds like a good idea, because I am going off-roading with a stroller," said Cassandra Peyer a tourist.

While some locals and tourists say the walkway will improve safety, while others say its unnecessary.

"It's Hawaiian culture. Not everything is catered to tourists. Growing up in the country that's how it was. We walk on the side of the road."

A traffic study is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Construction could start by the end of 2013.