The Honolulu Police Department, along with multiple agencies, are launching the “Safer Roads, Together” initiative to reduce traffic fatalities across Oahu this summer.
HPD said recent enforcement trends show that many serious and fatal crashes on Oahu involve preventable behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving.
“HPD officers respond to hundreds of serious traffic incidents each year, reinforcing the need for sustained enforcement and community awareness,” said the department in a news release. “The initiative combines high-visibility traffic enforcement, public safety messaging and community outreach to address the behaviors and conditions that contribute to serious crashes.”
High-visibility enforcement, HPD said, will include saturation patrols, drunken driving checkpoints, and targeted enforcement in high-risk areas.
The campaign will focus on behaviors most closely associated with serious crashes including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and nighttime visibility and pedestrian safety.
This year, police are also expanding their campaign to priority districts such as Kaneohe, Kapolei and Kalihi, where there have been recent crashes resulting in critical injuries and fatalities.
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In March, HPD said officers from District 4, which includes Kaneohe, made 17 arrests for driving under the influence, compared with six during the same time last year.
In District 5, which includes Kalihi, officers will be focusing on enforcement in traffic corridors including Pail Highway, Likelike Highway, and Moanalua Freeway.
Last month, officers issued 188 speeding citations in District 5, including 27 for excessive speeding, and 10 for reckless driving. They also arrested 11 individuals for driving under the influence, and three for reckless driving.
The “Safer Roads, Together” initiative comes after a spike to 128 traffic fatalities, including 82 on Oahu, in 2025, which was its highest statewide total since 2007.
This year, the number of fatalities has come down, with 23 so far, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Department of Transportation, half of 46 recorded during the same time last year.
“Traffic deaths are preventable,” said Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic in a statement. “Through Safer Roads, Together, we are strengthening visible enforcement while also working directly with our communities to reinforce roadway safety and shared responsibility.”
HPD will continue to set up DUI checkpoints at unannounced times and locations across Oahu, from May through June 30.
From May 11 to 31, officers will also be out enforcing seat belt use during its “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
Police remind the public that Hawaii law prohibits the use of handheld mobile electronic devices while driving, with potential fines of $250 to $300 for a first offense.
Under Act 222, all moped operators are also required to wear helmets.
