Sign-waving honors teen killed in 2023 hit-and-run

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Three years after the death of McKinley High School student Sara Yara, her mother still fights for the importance of safe driving.

Yara was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Feb. 15, 2023, as she was walking to school.

On Saturday, a community sign-waving took place near the bus stop on Kapiolani Boulevard, where Yara lost her life.

“We’re a small island. We don’t need to get to point A to point B in, you know, really quickly. Let’s get there safely, that’s all I ask. Let’s not have another parent mourn the way that we as parents have mourned,” said Chevyln Borce, Yara’s mom.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Honolulu Police Department, and other families who lost children to distracted drivers also joined the sign-waving and rally as cars honked by in support.

“We’re just mothers supporting one another, and we’re growing a bond, not the kind of bond we wanted to grow, losing our loved ones, but because of our tragedy, it’s brought us women together,” Borce said.

Since her daughter’s death, Borce has been fighting for traffic safety and driver accountability, and she started a nonprofit, Sara’s Heart, with fellow advocate Karen Cheung.

She also recently held a Zumba danceathon to raise money for a McKinley High School Scholarship to honor and celebrate Yara’s life and legacy.

“I just want people to know that they’re supporting, knowing that there’s a need for people to slow down and know that they’re sharing the roadway with pedestrians makes me happy and makes Sara happy up in heaven knowing that mom can make a difference for her,” Borce said.

“She’s no longer here, but I didn’t stop when she was gone,” she added. “I’m here for our community and to make sure our community is safe because I love her.”