Hawaiʻi Island police enforcement to increase along Daniel K. Inouye Highway

Nine out of 10 most recent traffic fatalities on the Big Island involved one or more unsafe driving behavior — speeding, being impaired, not buckling up and getting distracted.

These behaviors displayed regularly cause a significant increase in the likelihood of serious traffic collisions, injuries and death.

It appears drivers — especially those using Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, which essentially bisects the Big Island — continue to disregard or even ignore guidance and efforts by Hawai‘i Island police to curb hazardous habits behind the wheel.

So, law enforcement is pumping up its presence and escalating enforcement efforts along the highway to hopefully get the point across that threatening public safety will not be tolerated, especially in response to a deadly increase in fatal traffic crashes and resulting deaths.

“Reckless and dangerous driving behaviors place everyone on our roadways at risk,” said Hawai‘i Police Department Traffic Services Section Program Manager Torey Keltner in an announcement about the new spiked stance. “Our officers will continue proactive enforcement efforts along the [Daniel K. Inouye] Highway corridor to improve driver compliance and help keep our communities safe.”

Three fatal crashes resulting in five fatalities from Jan. 1 through June 4 on the cross-island roadway, including a fiery fatal two-vehicle collision Thursday morning, June 4, that killed one person and injured another.

That is now the bar to get below. There were none during the same period last year.

Hawai‘i Police Department officers conducted 162 selective enforcement operations in the 155 days of 2026 through Thursday along Daniel K. Inouye Highway, contacting 1,256 drivers in an effort to improve roadway safety and reduce hazardous driving behaviors.

The significantly increased selective enforcement operations are aimed at preventing serious crashes, injuries and fatalities. Officers will maintain their heightened enforcement presence, focusing on identifying and addressing hazardous violations such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and seat belt violations.

Their goal: Stop serious crashes, injuries and fatalities.

“Traffic safety is not only about enforcing the rules, it’s about looking out for one another” said Hawai‘i Police Department Deputy Chief Sherry Bird in the announcement. “Every time you slow down, buckle your seatbelt, or put your phone away, you are making the choice to protect a neighbor, a friend or a family member.

Motorists are reminded to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions while driving, always wear seatbelts and never operate a vehicle while impaired.

Hawai‘i Police Department also encourages the public to report dangerous driving behaviors by calling 9-1-1 in emergencies or calling the department’s nonemergency line at 808-935-3311.

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 a description of the violation, vehicle description, license plate number, date and time of the incident and location of the violation.

“Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets home to their ‘ohana safely,” Bird said.