Thank you for your Understanding with the School Closure
At around 8:30 pm Wednesday evening, I got a text message from one of our active volunteer parents who noticed that a geyser was shooting out water and started to flood Leahi Field near Building B. Fortunately, here at Waikiki School, John, our awesome Head Custodian lives on premises in the cottage behind the Mindful Learning Center. We were able to address the situation as quickly as possible. The pipe that ruptured supplies water to both our B and C buildings and necessitated the shutdown of water to the entire school campus. Although we had an emergency repair crew on-site by 11 pm, we were unable to get the pipe fixed until 11:00 am on Thursday afternoon. I want to thank the repair crew, along with John and VP Whitney Mahoney for going above and beyond with their efforts all night in getting the campus back to normal. We hope everyone enjoyed the unexpected day off from school and thank all of you for your patience and understanding.
As far as our water pipes, rest assured that the reason for all the construction around the campus is to address our aging water infrastructure. The ruptured pipe was not related to the construction project, but it is a great indicator that all the work going on to install brand new copper pipes will pay dividends in the long run.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kusuda
Safe Driving on Leahi Avenue
With the recent changes to Leahi Avenue it's important for everyone to be aware of what Hawaii's laws state with school zones.
Please watch your speed along Leahi Avenue. Per City standards, Leahi Avenue is 25 MPH. Any person who violates HRS §291C-104 shall be fined $250, may be charged with a surcharge of up to $100 to be deposited into the trauma system special fund, and, where the violation involves speeding in a school zone, shall be charged with a surcharge of $25 to be deposited into the safe routes to school program special fund.
See https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291C/HRS_0291c-0104.htm
While it may look tempting to park across from the school in the space next to the park, understand that it is considered an unimproved sidewalk.
The Honolulu Police Department says an unimproved sidewalk is the area between the roadway and the property line. Whether it’s grassy or paved, it’s still considered a sidewalk so parking is illegal and can lead to a fine.
Understand that if you choose to park in that portion of Leahi Avenue, that it is technically illegal and that HPD has ticketed in other neighborhoods with unimproved sidewalks.
Please refer to the link below for more information.
https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/07/Pedest-Tbox-Toolbox_4-Sidewalks-and-Walkways.pdf
The video below is a little old, but the law is still the same.
Pedestrian Safety
Did you know, in 2021, of the 81 fatal and critical motor vehicle collisions, more than a quarter – 24 were pedestrian related. 18 of these pedestrians did not use a crosswalk to cross a street.
Some facts about Jaywalking:
- Jaywalking is crossing a street outside of the crosswalk or away from the street corner
- Jaywalking is against a law and punishable by fines in the State of Hawaii
- Some people still believe that crossing using a marked crosswalk is inconvenient
- Jaywalking is Dangerous and Deadly.
§291C-72 Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks.
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.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-73 Crossing at other than crosswalks.
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
Penalty: Fines ranging from $130 to $180.
During the busy drop-off and pick-up period, please make it a point to use the crosswalk at the intersection of Leahi and Monsarrat to make your way to and from Waikiki School. Though it might take a minute or two longer, your cooperation makes it safer for all parties involved... drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who use the roads in and around the school.
Bicycle Safety
Did you know, since July 10, 2012 the new Hawaii Vulnerable Users Law is in effect. This law doubles penalties for motorists who kill or seriously injure vulnerable users (cyclists, pedestrians, police officers, road workers, etc.) acting legally. View the full Vulnerable Users law here.
§291C-142 Traffic Laws Apply to Bicyclists.
Bicyclists using a roadway have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle, except as stated by special bicycle regulations and except for those provisions which by their nature cannot be applied to bicyclists.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-144 Clinging to Vehicles.
When riding a bicycle, do not attach it or yourself to another vehicle.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-145 Riding on Roadways and Bikeways.
When traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic, bicyclists are to ride as close to the right hand curb or on the shoulder of the roadway, as practical.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-147 Lights and Other Equipment on Bicycles.
Any bicycle used from thirty (30) minutes after sunset until thirty (30) minutes before sunrise must have a head light, facing forward. Bicycles must be equipped with brakes capable of bringing the bicycle to a complete stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-150 Bicycle Helmets.
No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall operate a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or any other public property unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
About Us
Email: ryan@waikikischool.org
Website: waikikischool.org
Location: 3710 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Phone: (808) 971-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaikikiSchool
Twitter: @WaikikiSchool
