HONOLULU — As the period nationally known as the “100 Deadliest Days” between Memorial Day and Labor Day comes to a close, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is reporting fewer traffic fatalities than at the same point last year while urging motorists not to let that progress lead to complacency as Oʻahu heads into fall.
As of Sept. 8, Oʻahu had recorded 27 traffic fatalities in 2026, compared with 62 during the same period in 2025. Each life lost represents far more than a statistic — a family member, friend or loved one who did not make it home.
HPD enforcement efforts during the summer period included:
- 444 OVUII arrests
- 5,033 speeding citations
- 1,125 excessive speeding citations
- 30 distracted driving citations
- 1,140 seat belt citations
- 134 child restraint citations
- 70 traffic safety checkpoints and directed enforcement operations
Although traffic fatalities remain well below last year’s pace, HPD cautions that the decline is not a reason for complacency. Speeding, impaired driving, distraction, reckless driving and failure to yield continue to contribute to preventable crashes across Oʻahu.
“As we close out the summer, we are grateful for every safe trip and every decision that helped prevent a tragedy on our roads,” said Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar. “But our work does not stop. As the fall semester and football and volleyball seasons get underway and we begin looking toward the holidays, we want people to enjoy time with family and friends while planning ahead. If alcohol is part of your plans, make a safe ride home part of your plans, too.”
Football and volleyball games, tailgates, watch parties and other fall gatherings can mean more occasions where alcohol is present. HPD encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead and arrange a safe way home before drinking:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Arrange for a rideshare, taxi or other safe transportation.
- Do not drive if you have been drinking.
- Plan to stay overnight if a safe ride home is not available.
One impaired-driving decision can have lifelong consequences.
HPD will continue high-visibility traffic enforcement, impaired-driving enforcement and community education throughout the fall and into the holiday season as part of its Safer Roads, Together initiative.
Safer Roads, Together is an HPD-led traffic safety initiative in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Together, the agencies are working to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries through education, engineering, community engagement and strategic enforcement.
Preventing crashes requires all of us to make safe, responsible choices every time we use our roads.
For more information about Safer Roads, Together, visit www.honolulupd.org/safer-roads-together.