Posted on: Monday, June 30, 2003

Family's goal realized with 'Ewa traffic signal

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Marilene Bacani's parents will mark the first anniversary of their daughter's death next week by thanking the people who helped make the spot where she died a little safer.

"Of course, that's been our main objective all along," said Isabelita Bacani, reacting to news that a new pedestrian-activated, overhead traffic signal on Fort Weaver Road will be activated July 7.

It was July 9, 2002, that Marilene, 16, was struck and killed by a car as she walked in a crosswalk near two bus stops and the Child & Family Service Center in 'Ewa.

Since then, state and city officials have worked to fast-track the installation of the traffic signal at the site, which had been the subject of community concerns for several years before Bacani's death.

State Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa said the $50,000 signal was installed last week and will operate in "flash" mode through this weekend.

When the light is fully operational, pedestrians willhave about 20 seconds to get across the busy four-lane road.

"Plus, there's a pretty big island in the middle where someone can stop for safety," Ishikawa said.

The Bacanis and other family members and friends campaigned for months to make the improvement, gathering more than 2,000 signatures on a petition asking that something be done to make the spot safer.

They returned to the site on the ninth day of every month to hold signs asking for an improvement. The family probably will be back at the site on July 9 with signs to thank those who supported them, Bacani said.

"We're glad it finally got done," she said.

Even so, officials say the the light may be only a temporary measure. The installation has been opposed by some 'Ewa Beach drivers, who already face 10 other traffic lights and some of O'ahu's worst traffic congestion as they travel between their homes and H-1 Freeway.

"It's not the best solution," said 'Ewa Neighborhood Board Chairman Jeff R. Alexander, who said the light will be used by only a handful of pedestrians every day and cause traffic to back up even more on Fort Weaver Road.

Alexander, state Sen. Willie Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu) and others have suggested that the state build a pedestrian underpass or overpass at a nearby cane haul road intersection, a solution that could cost about $2 million.

Ishikawa said the state is studying long-term solutions to the problem.