Safe Routes to School

                                                                                                                                                                                          Safe Routes to School County of Kauai Logo.png
     Welcome to Kauai County's Safe Routes to School 

Our mission is to enable and encourage children in the County of Kauai to safely walk and bicycle to school, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing traffic congestion in our communities. The County of Kauai works in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), schools, parents, and community groups like Get Fit Kauai and Kauai Path to make our routes safer. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally funded program, jointly managed by the County of Kauai and the Hawaii State DOT. It is designed to enable and encourage more students to bike and walk to school. SRTS seeks to enhance the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of biking and walking as transportation options, ultimately aiming to improve student health and increase physical activity.

Benefits of SRTS

The benefits of adopting a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program are far-reaching and positively impact not only students and parents, but also the surrounding community as a whole. Some of these benefits include:

  • Reduced student absences and tardiness
  • Reduced traffic congestion and increased traffic safety in school zones
  • Improved health of students and the broader community
  • Improved academic performance
  • Better student engagement
  • Opportunities to connect with nature and the neighborhood
  • Less air and sound pollution around schools and nearby areas
Events: Past & Present
  • "Walk to School Day" Event: [Every first Wednesday, Kalaheo Elementary].
  • "Walk to School Day" Event: [Nov. 26, Ele’ele Elementary].
  • Bicycle Education at Kilauea Elementary: 4th graders, Nov. 5,7,12,14,19,21
  • Kapaa Elementary Walk to School Day: Coming Winter 2026
  • Bicycle Education at Ele’ele Elementary: 4th graders, Coming May 2026
  • Kilauea Elementary Bike Bus and Walk to School Day: Coming Spring 2026
  • Bicycle Education at Kekaha Elementary: 4th graders, Coming Winter 2026
News & Projects
  • Kalaheo School Improvements: The SRTS program is funding new sidewalks and pedestrian crossings near the school.
  • Lihue Path: A new shared-use path near Wilcox Elementary is open, providing a safe route for many students.
  • Kilauea School Success: Community efforts led to a unanimous County Council resolution improving traffic flow and safety on Kamali'i Street. Four Speed humps on Kolo Rd fronting the school. Over are 60 students biking and walking to school every day.
  • Kauai High School: State DOT plans to build new sidewalks, bike lanes and crossings along Nawiliwili Rd from Lala Rd to Kanani St. making walking and biking to school much safer for Kauai High students.
  • Koloa Elementary: A big project on Poipu Rd. with sidewalks, crossings and speed humps to keep students safe walking to and from school.
  • Kilauea Road Multi-Modal Access: New sidewalks, crossings, roundabouts and speed humps planned all along Kilauea Rd out to the lighthouse.
  • Kawaihau Road Path: A new 8-foot-wide path to be installed along Kawaihau Rd. from Ka'apuni Park to the "peanutabout" with added crosswalks.
  • Kekaha Rd. and Akialoa Rd. Improvements: Sidewalks to be added to along these roads along with crosswalks at intersections.
  • Hanapepe Road Project: Resurfacing as well as sidewalks to be installed along both sides of the road from the Hwy through town to the river.
  • HTA & Chiefess Middle Schools Haleko Rd. Project: Plans are in process to create either a sidewalk or path along Haleko Rd. to make it safer for students to walk between Nawiliwili St. and Rice St. 

    Safety & Education: 
    Whether walking, biking, or driving, safety is everyone's responsibility. Share these rules with your children.

For Walkers

  • Stop, Look, and Listen: Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Use Crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections.
  • Make eye contact: With drivers while crossing roads when cars are present.
  • Be Visible: Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night or in low light.
  • Stay Alert: Avoid using mobile devices or headphones while walking near traffic.

For Bicyclists

  • Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is required by law for youth and critical for safety.
  • Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
  • Know the Rules: Obey all stop signs, traffic signals, and road markings.
  • Check Your Bike: Ensure your brakes and tires are in good condition before you ride.

For Drivers

  • Slow Down: Adhere to school zone speed limits as well as island wide speed limits.
  • Be Aware: Watch for children walking and biking, especially near crosswalks and intersections.
  • Follow Drop-off Rules: Use designated drop-off/pick-up areas and follow school procedures to keep traffic flowing safely 
Contact Us

County of Kauai SRTS Coordinator:

  • Name: Keith Hatcher
  • Email: khatcher@kauai.gov
  • Phone: (808) 241-4880 

Helpful Links

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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