Posted on: Friday, October 18, 2002

Most crossing-guard jobs filled

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Honolulu Police Department has filled most of its vacancies for adult crossing guards at O'ahu schools, and is making a push to hire crosswalk monitors for the remaining 13 schools.

HPD approached the school year with 60 of the 170 crossing-guard positions open. Acting Sgt. Antone Pacheco of HPD's JPO/traffic safety detail said police were concerned in August about the vacancies, but said media publicity encouraged people to apply for the vacant positions.

"In my three years here, this is the closest we've come to having the crossing guard positions 100 percent filled," Pacheco said.

In the meantime, police officers and school administrators help children cross safely. He said the city continues to seek applicants for the remaining 13 schools, some of which are next to busy roads.

One example is Pearl City Highlands Elementary, situated along four-lane Waimano Home Road. Two other schools without crossing guards, Ka'a'awa Elementary and Sunset Beach Christian School, are situated along Kamehameha Highway.

School traffic monitors are paid $10.55 per hour and work two hours each school day, one hour before school and one hour after.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a hearing and vision test and criminal background check, and attend a four-hour training session.

Anita Oden, 29, of Kalaeloa, signed up as the crossing guard at Barbers Point Elementary this fall.

"I've enjoyed working with the kids, and it gives me a chance to get to know them," said Oden, whose son and daughter, ages 8 and 10, attend the school.

The only drawback with her job, Oden said, is reminding some of the parents to set a good example when walking with their children.

"Some of the adults don't use the crosswalk," she said.

Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 535-8110.