The death of a 32-year-old woman who was hit by a truck while crossing Farrington Highway in Nanakuli has prompted community members to call for safer roads and crosswalks, and the raising of awareness about pedestrian safety.

State Rep. Andria Tupola (R, Kalaeloa-Ko Olina- Maili) said she is working with the Department of Transportation to have crosswalks repainted and to have reflectors installed in the area. She also encouraged residents to wear bright colors, make eye contact with drivers and not to walk at night.

Tupola joined with Walk Wise Hawaii to organize a sign-waving event Thursday near the crosswalk at Farrington Highway and Mohihi Street where Aulani Halemano was struck on her way to work around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday. Halemano was taken to the Queen’s Medical Center West in extremely critical condition and died soon after.

“Whether I knew her or not, she was a part of the community. She’s just really young,” Tupola said Thursday while wiping away tears. “More and more, it’s just so dangerous on Farrington Highway. The day is gone that you can assume that drivers will stop for you.”

The 22-year-old Waianae man who was driving the truck was arrested on suspicion of second-degree negligent homicide and of driving with a suspended license, according to police. He was released Tuesday pending further investigation. Police said they are still determining whether drugs, alcohol or excessive speed were factors in the crash, which was the 15th pedestrian fatality this year on Oahu.

On Thursday, drivers passing by honked their horns and flashed shakas at the nearly 40 to 50 family, friends and community members sporting bright orange vests who showed up to wave signs that said, “Watch for pedestrians day and night” and “Drive with aloha 4 Lani.”

Family and friends have also created a GoFundMe.com account to help Halemano’s family.

Halemano’s mother, Jo-Ann Halemano, described her oldest daughter as giving, athletic and “the life of the party.” A graduate of Nanakuli High School and Honolulu Community College with a degree in mechanics, Aulani Halemano was a member of the youth program at St. Rita Catholic Church. She worked at Outback Steakhouse in Waipio and Kazoku Sushi in Kapolei, and played volleyball and paddled.

“She was the type of person who even if it was her last penny, she would give it,” Jo-Ann Halemano said Thursday. “She had a big heart.”

Aulani Halemano’s friend Kawailani Littlejohn added that “it’s not worth taking a life just to save one second.” Littlejohn, who went to high school and church with Halemano, said the community has rallied around the cause and has been supportive of family and friends.

“She was my best friend. She was my bright light in all my dark spots,” Littlejohn said while shedding some tears. “We talked about growing old together and having kids at the same time. That’s the way it was supposed to be. I’m going to miss that.”