Hawai‘i Island police continue high-visibility enforcement on Daniel K. Inouye Highway

The Hawaiʻi Police Department continues to conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement operations along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway corridor as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

These sustained enforcement efforts began on June 4 after three fatal crashes resulted in five fatalities from Jan. 1 through June 4 on the cross-island roadway. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation declared a traffic emergency zone between mileposts 5.5 and 28 that same month, with data showing some motorists driving in excess of 100 mph.

Between July 31 and Aug. 2, officers assigned to these enforcement efforts issued 283 citations, including:

• 174 speeding
• 17 moving
• 12 seatbelt
• 1 child restraint
• 8 unsafe overtaking
• 35 motor vehicle registration
• 1 DUI arrest made

Throughout the summer, there has been an increase in police presence along the highway corridor, with officers conducting focused enforcement operations to ensure adherence to traffic laws and safe driving habits, according to a news release from Hawai‘i Island police.

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

The Hawai‘i Police Department encourages the public to report dangerous driving behaviors by calling 911 during emergencies or contacting the department’s non-emergency line 808-935-3311 for non-urgent situations.

Community members may also anonymously request that a violation letter be sent to a vehicle’s registered owner by emailing 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

With kids back to school this week, police remind motorists to drive with aloha and obey all traffic laws.