On Thursday, Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order aimed at improving traffic safety in a year rife with fatal car crashes.
On Friday, the Honolulu Police Department endorsed that order, issuing a statement declaring that the department "stands in strong support" for the governor's declaration.
“This executive order underscores what we’ve been saying for months: traffic safety is everyone’s kuleana,” said Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic in a statement. “Our officers are out every day engaging with the community and enforcing the law. We all share the road and the responsibility to keep it safe."
HPD reported that there have been 11 fatalities involving mopeds, e-bikes or motorbikes since January, 10 of which involved victims not wearing helmets. The department also reported issuing 2,188 citations to drivers using their cell phones while driving this year so far, an increase from the 2,090 issued in the same time period last year, and nearly 300 more citations for drivers not wearing seatbelts compared to last year as well.
On the other hand, HPD also reported far fewer speeding citations this year: 3,422 excessive speeding citations have been issued this year so far, compared to 4,125 in the same period of 2024.
The executive order advised the state Department of Transportation to develop several new policies, including new rules governing the use of e-bikes and, potentially, a tiered system making it more difficult for people with a history of dangerous driving to have their licenses removed.
The order also advised the DOT to investigate how to streamline the use of video footage submitted by the public to help investigate traffic incidents. HPD's statement on Friday advised residents that anyone with dash cam, cell phone or home security footage of a traffic incident is encouraged to share that footage with investigators, as they can provide critical leads, but those who do say may be required to verify their authenticity.
