411 citations, 1 arrest from June 4-7; increased police presence on Daniel K. Inouye Highway continues

Hawaiʻi Police Department continues to conduct high visibility traffic enforcement operations along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway corridor, often called Saddle Road, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

An increased police presence along the corridor since June 4 included officers conducting focused enforcement operations to ensure adherence to traffic laws and safe driving habits.

Officers assigned to these enforcement efforts from June 4-7 contacted 316 drivers and issued the following citations:

• 269 speeding.
• 3 moving.
• 4 reckless driving.
• 1 overtaking on the shoulder.
• 1 electronic device.
• 4 motor vehicle registration.
• 129 other violations.

There also was one arrest made.

Reckless driving reports increase

Reckless driving reports also increased along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway corridor.

Hawaiʻi Police Department Emergency Communications Center during the past week received nine reckless driving calls compared with six calls the previous week.

Traffic Services Section Program Manager Torey Keltner said the increase in reported incidents is likely because of residents becoming more proactive in identifying and reporting hazardous driving, helping law enforcement prevent potential crashes and injuries before they occur.

Officers will continue targeting hazardous violations — including speeding; impaired, distracted and reckless driving; seatbelt violations; and other unsafe behaviors known to contribute to serious traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Motorists are reminded to:

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Eliminate distractions while driving.
• Always wear seatbelts.
• Never operate a vehicle while impaired.

Report what you see

Police appreciate the continued collaboration and vigilance of community members who report dangerous driving behaviors.

Hawaiʻi Police Department encourages the public to continue reporting those behaviors by calling 9-1-1 during emergencies or contacting the department via its nonemergency line at 808-935-3311 for nonurgent incidents.

Community members also can anonymously request a violation letter be sent to a vehicle’s registered owner by emailing to leanne.matsuo@hawaiipolice.gov.

Requests should include:

• Description of the violation.
• Vehicle description.
• License plate number.
• Date and time of the incident.
• Location where the violation occurred.

Road work and lane closures

Commuters are reminded that Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Highways Division is making safety improvements in areas along Daniel K. Inouye Highway. These areas are considered construction zones, which are subject to lower speed limits along with lane closures.

Motorists should exercise caution while driving through these areas and stay alert for flaggers and equipment.