By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Motorists and pedestrians at Honolulu International Airport are going to see some new safety improvements in coming months.

Gov. Linda Lingle announced last week that $3 million in state and federal money will be used to improve the roads near the interisland and overseas terminals on the departure and arrival levels.

Drivers have long complained that poor lighting and confusing traffic flow patterns make it dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians trying to navigate the terminal area.

In particular, drivers said, it is often difficult to see pedestrians and vehicles when they enter a covered, shaded roadway area after being in the sunlight.

Lingle said almost $1.5 million in state money will be used for the project to help reduce this so-called "tunnel effect" that occurs when cars enter the terminal area in the daytime.

Another major project will analyze and implement changes to the traffic lanes fronting the terminals. The improvements should make it safer for motorists in the outside lanes to cross the median area and merge into traffic near the terminal buildings.

In addition to state money, more than $1.7 million in federal money is being used for the project.

'Walk Wise' program aimed at the elderly

City and state transportation officials also are rolling out a major new pedestrian safety effort this week.

The new "Walk Wise Kupuna" program will be aimed at increasing public-safety education, engineering and enforcement efforts for senior citizens, who are one of the most at-risk groups in the continuing number of pedestrian traffic accidents in Hawai'i.

Last year, at least 15 senior citizens in Hawai'i were struck and killed by cars, officials say. That's 60 percent of the pedestrian fatalities on O'ahu, even though people 65 and older represent only 11 percent of the population.

Public education is considered a key element in reducing that number.

Officials say the program will rely on presentations to senior citizens, media advertisements and speaker forums to get the word out to drivers and pedestrians alike.

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.