Honolulu Traffic Calming Near Schools - Ordinance Guide

Transportation Hawaii 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Hawaii

In Honolulu, Hawaii, parents, school staff and residents can ask the city to evaluate and install traffic calming measures near schools to improve safety for walking and biking. This guide explains how City departments handle requests, what evidence and forms to provide, typical timelines, and how enforcement and appeals work under Honolulu city practice. Use the steps below to prepare a clear request, gather student and traffic data, and contact the right office for review and possible physical changes such as speed humps, raised crosswalks or signage.

How to request traffic calming near a school

Start by documenting the problem: location, times of concern, photos, and any collision history. Submit a traffic-calming request to the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) which administers the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program and technical evaluations.[1] DTS evaluates site factors, traffic volume, speeds and school crossing activity, and may refer engineering changes to Honolulu Police Department (HPD) for enforcement or to the Department of Planning and Permitting for right-of-way work. Include clear contact information and a proposed solution when you submit.

Keep records of dates, people you speak with, and copies of all submissions.

Typical evaluation process and timeline

  • Initial review and site visit scheduling - typically weeks to months depending on caseload.
  • Data collection (counts, speed studies, collision review).
  • Engineering analysis and recommended measures.
  • Design approvals and permits for physical work.
  • Funding and scheduling of construction if approved.
Neighborhood projects often require coordination across multiple city divisions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Traffic calming programs themselves are administrative and project-based; enforcement of traffic laws in school zones is carried out by Honolulu Police Department under Honolulu ordinances and state traffic statutes. Specific fine amounts for moving violations, school-zone speeding, or related infractions are set in traffic citation schedules and the municipal code. Where exact penalty amounts or escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences) are required, these amounts are not specified on the cited municipal program page and must be confirmed in the municipal code or traffic citation schedule.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited program page; consult the municipal code or citation schedule for exact figures.[2]
  • Escalation: first versus repeat penalties - not specified on the cited program page.[2]
  • Non-monetary actions: orders to remedy, court appearance requirements, and possible civil processes may be applied where applicable (not all are specified on the program page).[2]
  • Enforcer: Honolulu Police Department traffic units handle moving violations and school-zone enforcement; DTS coordinates engineering measures.
  • Appeals/review: traffic citations generally afford the right to contest in court; administrative decisions on engineering or permit denials have local appeal routes or reconsideration requests—time limits are not specified on the program page and should be confirmed with the issuing office.[2]
Contact HPD for enforcement questions and DTS for engineering or project status.

Applications & Forms

The City DTS maintains the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program request page and an online or downloadable request form or instructions for submission; the form name/number and any fee are listed on that DTS page.[1] If no form is required, DTS provides guidance on acceptable submission materials and contact points on its program page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Speeding in school zones - enforcement by HPD, education, and engineering countermeasures.
  • Improper parking at drop-off/pick-up - citations and signage changes.
  • Unsafe crossings - installation of crosswalks, signals, or crossing guards after review.

FAQ

Who do I contact to request traffic calming near a school?
Submit a request to the City Department of Transportation Services Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program; HPD enforces traffic laws in school zones.
How long does evaluation take?
Timelines vary; initial review and data collection can take weeks to months depending on workload and required studies.
Are there fees to submit a request?
Any fees or required forms are listed on the DTS program page; the program page shows submission instructions.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: location map, photos, times of concern, and any crash reports.
  2. Complete the DTS neighborhood traffic calming request form or follow the DTS submission instructions.[1]
  3. Coordinate with the school administration to provide written support and student arrival/departure data.
  4. Respond to follow-up requests from DTS or HPD and attend any community or site meetings.
  5. If the request is denied, ask DTS for the reason, available remedies, and appeal or reconsideration steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepare clear documentation and local support before submitting a request.
  • Use DTS for engineering requests and HPD for enforcement concerns.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services - Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
  2. [2] Honolulu Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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