intersection. It is obvious that what the State has implemented now is not enough, and something clearly must be done about this dangerous situation. There have been multiple pushes for stoplights on the highway in order to ease traffic around this intersection, along with the idea to erect a bridge that HPU students may cross to gain access to the bus stop across the street. However, the State feels that in order for a stoplight or bridge to be installed, more evidence must be provided that action is needed. Larry Geller reported that according to Department of Transportation spokesperson Dan Meisenzahl, further action to improve safety, such as installing a traffic signal, is not warranted because “the area in front of HPU did not meet the minimum requirement of five pedestrian ‘incidents’ in a 12-month period” (Geller). Apparently, Geller indignantly exclaims, the State of Hawai´i “requires a ‘body count’ before necessary safety precautions must be taken” (Geller). While Geller is exaggerating somewhat in that the five incidents don’t have to be fatal ones, the policy is indeed staggering, since each incident is potentially fatal and causes pain, suffering, and financial and emotional costs. Haven’t there already been sufficient incidents to show a pattern even if five did not occur in one year? How can the government find it fair to compare the costs of even one life, let alone five, to the price of a stoplight? However, it is true that installing a traffic light may not be the best solution. The oncoming traffic from Pali Highway and Kamehameha Highway causes a constant flow of vehicles passing the HPU entrance. The main reason why putting a traffic light at the intersection is such a bad idea is because this would disrupt the flow of cars moving down two of the busiest highways in Hawai´i. Not only would this create more build-up, but the intersection could become even more dangerous with the increase of vehicles. Creating a bridge across Kamehameha Highway is the best option to make the intersection a safer place. Not only can building a bridge bring peace of mind to HPU students, faculty, and family members, but it can also create jobs for the people of Hawai´i. A big project such as this can bring the community together, adding aloha spirit to a “win-win” situation. A bridge will not disrupt the flow of traffic crossing the two highways, while allowing a safe passage into HPU and also out to the bus stops. This form of compromise can save multiple lives from being damaged or lost to the busy highways of Pali and Kamehameha. Works Cited Geller, Larry. "Confirmed: Hawai´i Requires Human Sacrifice Before Installing Traffic Signals." Disappeared News. n.p., 22 Nov. 2011. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. Mendoza, Jim. "HPU Student Killed While Walking Back to Dorm | News." Hawai´i News Now. n.p., 21 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Nov. 2012. Nakaso, Dan. "HPU Student Is Killed in Hit and Run Accident." Honolulu Star Advertiser. Nov. 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.
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