Let's recap the dismal statistics on pedestrian safety in our state: It's a mere four months into 2007, and there have already been 11 pedestrian deaths — 10 of which occurred on O'ahu, and all but one claiming the life of someone above the age of 55.

This has earned Hawai'i the shameful distinction of being the most dangerous state for pedestrians over 65, and the fifth most dangerous state for pedestrians of all ages.

Yes, everyone agrees that pedestrian safety is clearly a problem. What to do about it, however, is not so clear.

The state can't afford to take its time on this issue. Pedestrian safety must be a priority. The good news is that AARP Hawai'i and the state Department of Health have joined together to sponsor a series of public meetings called The Hawai'i Walkable Community Workshops.

Each meeting will involve a cross-section of participants, including the Honolulu Police Department, city officials, developers and educators. The workshops, which will each include a walking audit of a community, will be limited to 40 people to ensure a manageable discussion.

Charlie Gandy, national expert in community design, will be facilitating the forums. Gandy's Colorado-based consulting firm, Livable Communities Inc., has helped more than 800 communities nationwide develop pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

And there's no better time for these workshops as the fixed-guideway system looms. "Our purpose is to try to ensure that people have a clear idea of what constitutes a walkable, livable community. With that knowledge, they will be able to contribute to the dialogue of the new system," said Bruce Bottorff, a spokesman for AARP Hawai'i.

The meetings will play a crucial role in educating the public and city officials as our state continues to face the problems that come with a growing and aging population. The city should consider information from these sessions as it makes necessary changes.

Perhaps then these statistics can be turned around.