HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-24 Vision Zero Proclamation Signing -- Initative Aims at Eliminating Traffic Deaths -- press release
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
January 24, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
Mayor Forms Task Force to Eliminate Traffic Deaths on Hawai‘i Island Roads
Mayor Harry Kim will issue a proclamation on February 1, 2019 to announce the formation of a
Vision Zero Task Force aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on Hawaii Island
roads.
The task force, which will develop a Vision Zero Action Plan, will be comprised of agencies and
organizations with expertise in transportation, enforcement, education, public health, emergency
response, equity, transit, biking, walking and vehicles.
The Vision Zero initiative focuses on thinking differently about traffic safety, to work together as
a community for a truly worthy outcome: the elimination of traffic deaths and serious injuries on
our streets.
WHAT: Proclamation Signing by Mayor Kim
WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2019 at 8:45 a.m.
WHERE: Aupuni Center Conference Room, Hilo
WHY:
In 2018, 32 people were killed in traffic crashes on Hawai‘i Island, with another 1,200
people sustaining serious injuries.
Hawai’i County has the highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the State.
On average, three people are treated for traffic-related injuries in Hawai‘i County every
day, and every month another two people die from traffic-related injuries.
Vision Zero recognizes that we all make mistakes, and that transportation systems
should be designed to minimize the impacts of those errors. When crashes do occur,
they should not result in death or serious injuries.
Crashes are not accidents; they are preventable—with the right actions and
commitment.
Vision Zero is committed to reducing the severity of crashes so that crashes don’t result
in death or serious injuries.
Everyone has the right to safely travel on our streets, no matter where they are going or
how they travel.
By committing to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries through a Vision Zero plan,
we will create a safer and more vibrant island for generations to come.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.