State invests in safe routes to school for Hawai‘i’s keiki
Aug 26, 2025
Investing in Safe Routes to School demonstrates the commitment to safety and active transportation in our communities. Ulupono applauds the authorization of more than $13 million in the State Budget Bill, Act 250 (2025), toward projects that help make it safer and easier for keiki to walk, bike, and roll to school.
As part of Act 250, the Legislature authorized the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to expend funds from the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund, in coordination with the Safe Routes to School Program Advisory Committee, up to the following amounts:
- Fiscal Year 2025–2026: $13,048,180
- Fiscal Year 2026–2027: $411,118
Although there has been progress resulting from Complete Street projects, many keiki are challenged by incomplete sidewalks, physical barriers on their routes, and overall uncomfortable and unsafe routes. According to a report by Smart Growth America, Hawai‘i is ranked the 12th most dangerous state for people walking and biking, so imagine how it feels for keiki. Hawai‘i Emergency Medical Services data also shows that injuries spike during school hours.
“These bills are a critical step toward ensuring that all keiki in Hawai‘i can travel to and from school safely,” said Abbey Seitz, chair of the State of Hawai‘i Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee. “Too many of our students still face unsafe conditions when getting to school, such as broken sidewalks, busy intersections and a lack of safe crossings. With consistent funding, we can finally prioritize the infrastructure and programs that make walking and biking to school safe, comfortable and fun. This is a great example of how we build healthier communities and empower the next generation.”
These new bills support projects that contribute to safety, including sidewalks, trails, lighting and efforts such as walking school buses and trip trackers. With more than $800 million identified in infrastructure needs statewide, consistent SRTS funding will ensure students can travel safely to school. SRTS programs can increase walking and biking up to 37% while reducing injury by 75%. In addition, 77% of Hawai‘i residents live within a mile of a school, meaning that SRTS helps all our kamaaina.
“Every child deserves to have a safe and reliable way to get to school–whether that is walking, biking or rolling,” Kathleen Rooney, said Ulupono Initiative’s director of transportation policy and programs. “These bills represent an important and significant investment in our keiki and communities. Supporting Safe Routes to School helps keiki thrive through active living and valuing their independent and safe travel to school.”
Click here to earn more about SRTS and how to can support safer communities for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.