A 72-year-old woman became Oahu's 55th traffic fatality of 2025 Thursday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle at a McCully intersection. The tragic incident occurred around 1:23 p.m. when the woman was walking eastbound on Young Street and was hit by a car driven by a 67-year-old man who ran a stop sign while turning left from Kemole Lane onto Young Street.
According to Star-Advertiser, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene but the woman was pronounced dead upon arrival. The motorist remained at the scene, and police reported that speed, drugs, or alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash.
A witness to the crash told Hawaii News Now that "the guy was going very slow. I have no idea how this happened. It did not appear as if the driver saw the pedestrian." Police closed the intersection of Young Street and Kemole Lane in all directions following the incident, with roads reopening around 4 p.m.
Sharp Increase in Traffic Deaths
This latest fatality brings Oahu's traffic death toll to 55 for 2025, more than doubling the 26 fatalities recorded at the same point last year. The alarming statistics reflect a broader crisis across Hawaii's roadways, where traffic-related deaths have been climbing at a concerning pace throughout the year.
As reported by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the state recorded 102 traffic fatalities in 2024, representing a 10% increase from the previous year. The current trajectory suggests 2025 could exceed those numbers significantly, with pedestrians and other vulnerable road users bearing the brunt of the increase.
McCully's History of Traffic Incidents
The McCully area has been the site of multiple serious traffic incidents in recent years. Last August, a 73-year-old man lost his life in a moped accident at the intersection of South King Street and Elsie Lane in the same neighborhood. Earlier this year, another fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and Waiaka Road when a 17-year-old driver struck a 34-year-old man riding a Surron electric vehicle.
Infrastructure Improvements Show Promise
Despite the grim statistics, some safety measures are showing positive results across the islands. A study referenced by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser found that traffic calming installations have led to a 59% decrease in drivers exceeding speed limits, a 71% drop in pedestrian-involved crashes, and a 92% reduction in fatalities where implemented.
Red-light cameras at 10 intersections on Oahu have reduced the number of drivers running red lights by 25% to 65%, depending on the intersection. In 2025, DOT plans to install 40 speed humps and raised crosswalks statewide, with locations planned for Iroquois Road in Ewa Beach, Kamehameha Highway fronting Swanzy Beach Park in Kaaawa, and King Street in front of Iolani Palace.
A pedestrian was killed in a crash on Thursday, adding to Hawaii's ongoing traffic safety concerns. Major James Slayter of the HPD Traffic Division said pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities are increasing this year and could meet or exceed last year's totals.
