"We're hoping that by focusing on pedestrian safety, motorists and pedestrians will be reminded that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility," said police Capt. Ale Quibilan.

Throughout the month, patrol officers will be monitoring vehicular traffic at designated crosswalks for violations that place pedestrians at risk, and the actions of pedestrians will also be checked. Those who violate pedestrian safety laws will be issued citations.

The Kaua'i County Code has two ordinances that address pedestrian's rights and duties, including Article 15, Sec. 16-15.1 which defines a blind and crippled pedestrian's right of way and Article 15, Sec. 16-15.2 which prohibits pedestrians from soliciting rides, employment or business from motorists.

In 2005, Section 291C-72, Hawai'i Revised Statue 291C-72 (a) Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks was amended by the state Legislature.

The law now says that the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right of way to pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

Other sections of HRS 291C-72 remain unchanged: (b) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. (c) Subsection (a) shall not apply under the conditions stated in section 291C-73(b). (d) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

Fines for drivers who violate the pedestrian's right-of-way in crosswalk law range from $150 for a first infraction to $1,000 for repeat offenders plus revocation of the person's driver's for 180 days.

Jaywalking is also prohibited in Hawai'i. Those cited for jaywalking are fined $100.

"Safety lies at the core of all laws, and pedestrian laws are designed to keep pedestrians safe," said Quibilan. "We already had two traffic fatalities this year so we'd like to remind everyone to be cautious on our roadways."