LIHU‘E — Traffic-safety advocates around the state have just one wish this holiday season: for everyone to arrive alive.
To make this wish come true, the state Department of Transportation, state Department of Health, four county police departments, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Hawai‘i, community members and other traffic-safety partners are teaming up to remind everyone to drive safely, be mindful of all roadway users and buckle up.
Preliminary state data indicates that there is a 13% increase in traffic fatalities from last year (80 compared to 71 during the same time last year). Of the 80 fatalities, nearly half were related to speeding. Two people have died this year in traffic-related crashes on Kaua‘i, compared to six at this time last year.
Significantly, there was a 142% increase in motorcycle fatalities, with 29 motorcyclists killed compared to 12 during the same time last year.
Toxicology results are still pending on many 2021 traffic fatalities. These results will inform impaired-driving-related statistics, but historical data shows nearly half of the drivers in fatal crashes in Hawai‘i tested positive for drugs or alcohol.
Today, Nov. 21, is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The DOT, Honolulu Police Department, Maui Police Department, Kaua‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i Police Department, MADD Hawai‘i and partner agencies will light virtual candles and join national and international partners in remembering the people killed in traffic crashes.
“These victims no longer have voices, so we’re speaking for them and doing our best to make sure there are no more of these senseless and preventable tragedies,” DOT Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen said.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking for the families who have to say ‘goodbye’ because of someone else’s irresponsible actions. There really is no excuse for all of these dangerous behaviors and tragic deaths.”
The “No Excuses” holiday enforcement and education will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 24, with sign-waving held in numerous locations throughout the state and strict enforcement of traffic-safety laws, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, seat-belt and pedestrian safety.
Family members and friends of victims killed in speed-related and/or impaired-driving crashes will be present at select sign-waving sites to share their stories.
In addition, all four county police departments will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and/or saturation patrols.
Road work this week
Road work performed on both state and county streets will not be conducted on Thursday, in observance of Thanksgiving.
Anahola
• A right-shoulder closure and lane realignments of Kuhio Highway in the southbound direction between mile markers 11.8 and 13, Makanani Street and Kuhio Highway, is taking place now through Friday, Nov. 26, 24 hours a day, for shoulder work.
Kapa‘a
• The county Department of Public Works and Grace Pacific LLC announced that a portion of Mailihuna Road will be closed from Monday through Friday, Nov. 22 to 26, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for sidewalk construction. No construction will be conducted on Nov. 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Additionally, temporary lane closures on Hau‘a‘ala Road may occur for waterline work.
A temporary traffic detour route will be available through Kolohala Road and Hau‘aæala Road. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Marie Poynter of Grace Pacific, LLC, 808-699-4654.
Lane-closure schedules may change at any time with or without further notice. All projects are weather-permitting.
Wailua
• A right-shoulder closure and narrowed lanes of Kuhio Highway in the southbound direction between mile markers 5.7 and 6.6, in the vicinity of Leho Drive and the Kapa‘a bypass is taking place now through Friday, Nov. 26, 24 hours a day, for road and shoulder work.
