Wave a (bright) flag for pedestrian safety

There’s nothing but upside in a new effort in Waimanalo to keep highway crossings safe for pedestrians. Buckets of bright orange flags have been installed at over a dozen crosswalks in the area, with the hope that pedestrians waving one while crossing the roadway will be easier seen by motorists. Visibility, of course, can be a life-saver. The neighborhood experienced tragedy last year after a baby was struck and killed by a truck while his family was crossing Kalanianaole Highway.

Similar efforts along Farrington Highway on the Waianae Coast seem to be working, and the flags also are in use on Kalanianaole Highway near Aina Haina. To all pedestrians and drivers, be aware and be safe.

A welcome camera-ready moment for HPD

It’s encouraging to see the Honolulu Police Department joining Hawaii’s other three counties in giving officers body cameras to wear when out on patrol. Common use of the cameras should improve transparency in police conduct, which would benefit the public — and the officers as well.

In other jurisdictions, including Kauai, the use of body cams has been accompanied by a reduction in complaints against officers.

HPD’s pilot project, expected to begin before the end of the year, will involve about 20 cameras and includes another win for transparency: a nine-page policy, posted on HPD’s website, that explains how the cameras may be used.