With a recent spate of fatal crashes on Hawaii roads, including a head-on collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway last Thursday, traffic deaths in the state have now surpassed last year’s total, state transportation officials reported.

As of today, and with over two months left in the year, Hawaii has recorded 106 traffic-related deaths—four more than the 102 fatalities recorded in all of 2023, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT).

State officials are urging all road users to obey traffic laws, such as adhering to speed limits, riding and driving sober, reducing distractions, and always wearing seat belts and helmets.

“We are committed to reaching our goal of zero traffic deaths,” said DOT Director Ed Sniffen in a news release. “With infrastructure improvements, it will take decades of rebuilding systems to separate users and manage speeds to make it harder to drive, bike, or walk dangerously. However, as community members, we can solve this today. If everyone follows the law and makes safety a priority, 93% of the people who typically die in crashes caused by drunk and drugged driving, speeding, and distraction all make it home.”

On Thursday, Hawaii Island police reported that a Kailua-Kona woman was killed and six others were seriously injured after a suspected drunk driver operating a Toyota pickup truck crashed head-on into another vehicle on Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

Fatalities so far this year include:
– 33 motorcyclists and scooter riders
– 32 pedestrians
– 30 motor vehicle occupants
– 6 bicyclists
– 5 individuals using other conveyances such as skateboards, foot scooters, and utility task vehicles

Oahu had the greatest share of traffic fatalities, with 69 of the 106 deaths—about 65% of the total.

To improve safety on Hawaii roadways, DOT officials have implemented hundreds of safety countermeasures. These include the installation of raised crosswalks and high-reflectivity striping on the H-3 freeway.

Additionally, to raise public awareness, HDOT plans to display the number of days since the last fatal crash on freeway message boards across the state.

The department continues to urge everyone to prioritize safety and follow traffic laws to help reduce these preventable tragedies.
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