HONOLULU — Beginning Oct. 22, the Hawaii Department of Transportation will run a pilot program transforming two Waikiki intersections into all-pedestrian crossings. The two intersections are at Ala Moana Blvd. and Hobron Lane and Ala Moana and Ena Rd./Kalia Rd.

According to the HDOT, an all-pedestrian crossing phase reduces potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians by providing a phase when all traffic signals are red. Currently, cars waiting for pedestrians to cross, then turning right or left have the potential for an accident (view the model here). With the pilot all-pedestrian crossing, all vehicles will come to a complete stop and pedestrians will be able to cross the street in all directions.

The HDOT provides a model of the all-pedestrian crossing available for viewing. Testing of the timing phases shows a reduction in pedestrian-vehicle conflicts from six to one, a reduction in average vehicle delay by 30%, and a slight increase in average pedestrian delay from 26 to 39 seconds.

New signs indicating to cross only on the "walk" or "walking person" signals will be installed.

HDOT will evaluate the pilot program over one month before deciding whether to continue the all-pedestrian crossing, convert to a “scramble,” or return to the intersection’s previous configuration.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.