‘Slow down’: City lowering speed limits to 20 mph in school zones across Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ahead of the new school year, the city is lowering speed limits in school zones to make the roads safer for students and families.

Read more Billy V Live: Hear the latest in Hawaii Entertainment from the artists themselves

The city Department of Transportation Services is complying with City Council Ordinance 24-32, passed in 2024, that stipulates when children are present, the speed limit will be reduced from 25 to 20 miles per hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days.

The effort involves replacing or adding school zone signage within 1,000 feet of schools where signs are missing, faded, damaged or no longer meet current federal standards.

With more than 200 schools across Oahu, officials say the effort requires the fabrication, installation and replacement of roughly 10,000 traffic signs.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our community members, when they’re dropping off our students, when they’re coming to and from school, that they are safe,” said Keith Hui, principal of Pearl City Highlands Elementary School.

“We just really implore drivers to please pay attention to the signs when children are present. Whether it’s the school day or not, please drive slow,” Honolulu Complete Streets administrator Renee Espiau said.

Read more Cane St. Cafe in Wahiawa brews coffee — and second chances

The city said the project will roll out mostly near public schools and be implemented in phases over the next few years.

Sign installations have been completed along Kalaheo Avenue in Kailua, Hawaii Kai Drive, Waipahu Street and Hoomaemae Street in Pearl City.

Maj. Herbert Soria of the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division said police will enforce the changes in speed zones across Oahu.

“Our top priority is making sure every child gets to and from campus safely,” he said. “We ask every driver to slow down, stay alert, and remember that a little patience and aloha behind the wheel can make all the difference in keeping our community safe.”

Read more Hawaii firefighters say ‘No’ to common hiking mistakes in viral video

The public can email questions or concerns to [email protected].