MEDIA RELEASE

Elementary school students will walk in the footsteps of Ronald McDonald and learn how to safely cross streets thanks to collaboration between the Traffic Division of the county Department of Public Works and McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii.

McDonald’s of Hawaii is donated decals of Ronald McDonald’s bright red shoeprints imprinted with the messages “STOP” and “LOOK BOTH WAYS” to the county.

The decals were installed at crosswalks fronting elementary schools around the island. The decals, which measure approximately 30 inches wide and 22 inches long, are sure to get the attention of young pedestrians, county officials say.

“We thank McDonald’s for this great opportunity to work together and promote crosswalk safety awareness for young students with this unique pedestrian safety campaign at schools,” said Ronald Thiel, Traffic Division chief. “The colorful Ronald McDonald footprint decals on the sidewalks will remind students that crosswalks and intersections are places where they need to be especially alert to passing vehicles.”

The county Traffic Division has installed the decals at10 schools:

South Hilo:

* Hilo Union Elementary School
* Kapiolani Elementary School

Hamakua:
* Honokaa Elementary School
* Paauilo Elementary and Intermediate School

Kona:
* Kahakai Elementary School
* Holualoa Elementary School
* Kealakehe Elementary School

Ka‘u:
* Nalehu Elementary School

South Kohala
* Waikoloa Elementary School
* Waimea Elementary School

Ronald McDonald’s bright red shoeprints were installed at the end of one crosswalk closest to each of these schools. Public Works’ “Stop and Look” decals were installed at the remaining three corners of these intersections.

The plan is to continue installing the Public Works decals at all crosswalks the county maintains. So, far they have installed it at 100 locations.