The Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation are partnering to enhance public safety through the launch of Safer Roads, Together 2026, a coordinated initiative focused on reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries across Oʻahu. 

Recent data and enforcement trends show that many serious and fatal crashes on Oʻahu continue to 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. 

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 includes saturation patrols, OVUII checkpoints and targeted enforcement in high-risk areas. 

HPD’s Traffic Division continues to focus on speeding, mobile phone use and seat belt violations. Specialized units, including the Night Enforcement Unit, are conducting enforcement during both nighttime and daytime hours, alongside solo bike details targeting violations in high-traffic corridors. 

Building on enforcement efforts already underway, HPD is expanding the campaign this year to include structured grassroots engagement in priority districts, including Kāneʻohe, Kapolei and Kalihi, where recent fatal and critical traffic incidents highlight persistent safety concerns. 

In District 4, which includes Kāneʻohe, officers are focusing on speed enforcement, distracted driving, impaired driving and moped safety violations, including helmet compliance. In March, District 4 officers made 17 OVUII arrests, compared with six during the same period last year, reflecting increased enforcement activity. Officers will continue to align enforcement with peak crash times and locations while engaging communities through outreach efforts. 

In District 5, which includes Kalihi, officers are focusing on comprehensive traffic enforcement across major roadways including the Pali Highway, Likelike Highway and the Moanalua Freeway. 

In March, officers issued 188 speeding citations, including 27 for excessive speeding. They also made three arrests for reckless driving, issued 10 reckless driving citations and made 11 OVUII arrests. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to enforcement and education to help keep the community safe. 

In District 8, which includes Kapolei, officers have significantly increased proactive enforcement efforts, with traffic citations rising from 19,539 in 2024 to 44,400 in 2025, a 127 percent increase. This increase reflects a continued focus on visibility, accountability and targeted enforcement to improve roadway safety across West Oʻahu. 

In May, HPD Traffic Division personnel plan to attend neighborhood board meetings in District 4 to share traffic safety data and discuss solutions with residents. Additional community outreach is also planned in other impacted districts across Oʻahu. 

“Traffic deaths are preventable,” said Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic. “Through Safer Roads, Together, we are strengthening visible enforcement while also working directly with our communities to reinforce roadway safety and shared responsibility.” 

EMS officials emphasized the real-world impact of serious crashes on families and the community. 

“Our crews see firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable crashes,” said Honolulu EMS Acting Chief Kenneth Faria. “We know slowing down and maintaining safe driving behaviors will save lives.” 

DTS and HDOT officials also highlighted the importance of public awareness and safe roadway behavior. 

“Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said DTS Director Roger Morton. “By combining education, outreach and community awareness, we can build a culture of safety that protects everyone, whether you’re driving, walking, taking public transit, biking or using micromobility devices.” 

“The Safer Roads, Together initiative saves lives through multi-pronged partnerships combining education, enforcement and infrastructure,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen. “Fatal crashes on O‘ahu in the first four months of 2026 are half of last year due to this partnership and the choices drivers made as a result. We look forward to continuing to work toward safer roads together with our city partners and engaged communities.” 

The campaign focuses on behaviors most closely associated with serious crashes, including: 

• Speeding 
• Impaired driving 
• Distracted driving 
• Nighttime visibility and pedestrian safety 

As the campaign continues into May and beyond, HPD and partner agencies will support national traffic safety efforts, including the Click It or Ticket enforcement period from May 11-31, with a focus on seat belt use and occupant protection. During this time, officers will increase enforcement of seat belt and child restraint violations to help reduce serious injuries and fatalities. 

HPD also reminds the public of existing traffic safety laws designed to protect all roadway users. Hawaiʻi law prohibits the use of handheld mobile electronic devices while driving. Violations may result in fines ranging from $250 to $300 for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations and additional fines in school zones and construction areas. 

Additionally, under Act 222, all moped operators are required to wear helmets to improve safety and reduce serious injuries. Operators who fail to comply may be subject to citations and fines. 

Throughout the campaign, HPD and partner agencies will share enforcement activity and community engagement efforts to increase awareness and transparency. 

Traffic safety remains a shared responsibility, and the participating agencies encourage all roadway users to slow down, stay alert and drive with aloha. 

Learn more at: www.honolulupd.org/safer-roads-together