As young minds prepare to hit the books, the Hawai‘i Police Department is stepping up with essential tips to ensure kids' journey to the classroom is a safe one. Torey Keltner, the Traffic Services Section Program Manager, emphasized the importance of community cooperation, "We are very fortunate to have a strong School Crossing Guard program here in Hawai’i County, however they need our help in areas around schools to ensure this school year is a safe one for our children," he told Nixle.

Drivers are being urged to sharply reduce their speed in school zones. The back-to-school season comes with an uptick in young pedestrians and this calls for heightened vigilance. Keltner's advice is simple: Slow down and watch for kids who might be distracted or rushing to catch the bus. It's all about driving safe, walking safe, and biking safe—with an aloha spirit.

For those on foot or two wheels, the message is clear: Stand out and stay alert. Students should wear bright colors and use lights on bicycles to improve visibility. Keltner's team advises using crosswalks and encourages parents to remind their keiki to keep their heads up and their eyes open when navigating the streets.

School bus interactions also come with a strict set of guidelines. When the bus flashes yellow, it's a signal to slow down, and when red lights flash and the stop arm extends, drivers must stop and wait. "Obey the school bus 'flashing signal light system' that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions," reminds Keltner on Nixle, knowing that a community effort can go a long way in safeguarding the young ones as they embark on a new academic year.