Traffic fatalities on Oʻahu have surged alarmingly, with a series of tragic accidents contributing to a total of 65 fatalities this year alone, significantly surpassing the 52 recorded in all of 2024.
The increase in road deaths has raised urgent concerns among local officials and residents alike, particularly as new federal transportation data reveals that Hawaiʻi is falling short on national road safety indicators for the second consecutive year.
In June, a single Tuesday brought three separate traffic accidents in less than 15 hours, resulting in five deaths. These incidents exemplified the ongoing issues plaguing the state’s roads, including speeding, poor seat belt use, and the dangers faced by pedestrians.
The state’s most populous island, Oʻahu, is grappling with a 48% increase in traffic fatalities over the first half of 2025, far exceeding the 21% spike seen in Kansas, the second-highest among states. Nationally, traffic fatalities have decreased by 8%, marking the largest first-half-year drop since 2008.
To address the growing toll of traffic deaths, Governor Josh Green issued an executive order in August aimed at strengthening traffic regulations, enhancing enforcement, and promoting safety education programs.
However, experts have highlighted that infrastructure developments also play a critical role in preventing fatal accidents.
Justin Tyndall, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, pointed out that many roads lack adequate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and designs that promote high-speed driving complicate the situation.
“In a lot of places in Hawaiʻi, we have sidewalk infrastructure, bike infrastructure that’s extremely underdeveloped,” Tyndall stated.
This combination of factors, along with insufficient enforcement, creates a hazardous environment that statistically leads to a higher number of fatalities on the roads.
Current data indicates that the traffic death toll on Oʻahu has averaged around 60 fatalities per year since 2003. The staggering number of 65 fatalities recorded so far this year underscores an urgent public health crisis that is disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, particularly pedestrians and lower-income neighborhoods.
Safety advocates maintain that addressing the underlying infrastructure issues, as well as enhancing behavioral accountability through education, must become top priorities if the state hopes to reverse these troubling trends.
Current statistics show that 18 pedestrians have died in traffic accidents on Oʻahu this year, matching the total for all of last year. Many victims were homeless, highlighting the vulnerabilities of certain populations.
Abbey Seitz, the director of transportation equity at Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, noted that many major roads are wide and designed for high-speed traffic, making them perilous for pedestrians.
In addition, the lack of protective infrastructure exacerbates the risks that pedestrians face. For example, a tragic incident occurred in February when a 90-year-old woman attempting to cross a street in Kahuku was struck and killed by a motorist in an area without sidewalks.
Physical road dangers extend beyond vehicular accidents, as fewer protections are in place for pedestrians. Nationally, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 18% of all road deaths in 2022, while in Hawaiʻi, that figure rose to 26%. In 2024, it reached a staggering 35%.
The executive order issued by Governor Green emphasized the need for behavioral change through education and accountability amidst significant concerns regarding speeding and seatbelt use.
Data from HPD indicates that speed was a factor in 58% of traffic fatalities in Hawaiʻi, the highest percentage in the country. At least 23 of the 65 fatalities this year were tied to speeding.
Moreover, the lack of seatbelt usage was a contributing factor in more than half of the traffic deaths statewide, while impaired driving fatalities have also increased significantly over the past decade.
Between 2014 and 2023, Hawaiʻi experienced the largest uptick in impaired driving fatalities, rising from 31% to 42% of total accidents. Of the 57 fatal accidents between January and August 2025, 25 victims were found to have alcohol or substances at varying legal levels within their systems.
Despite these alarming trends, the complexities surrounding traffic-related prosecutions often hinder timely justice. Needing thorough evidence before filing charges leads to delays, and many drivers who fled scenes of fatal accidents have yet to be identified.
Lt. Tamyra Torres from the HPD’s vehicular homicide division explained that multiple factors—speed, impairment, and distracted driving—complicate investigations, often prolonging the timeline for legal accountability.
The department confirmed that, to date, eight cases of negligent homicide have been referred to the prosecuting attorney this year. However, many outstanding investigations remain unresolved.
With infrastructure issues and slow prosecutions compounding the problem, some view the rollout of new automated speed and red-light camera enforcement as a potential immediate solution. Set to begin issuing fines in November, the program aims to deter reckless driving behaviors.
Still, many community members and experts stress that addressing the underlying infrastructure flaws must also take precedence. Current road designs fail to cater to pedestrian needs, with streets lacking sufficient crosswalks and protective measures.
Renee Espiau, Honolulu’s Complete Streets coordinator, highlighted the disconnect between urban density and the design of roadways, often structured like highways, prioritizing fast-moving cars over the safety of pedestrians.
Calls for quick fixes, such as allowing pedestrians a head start at traffic lights, can help improve safety measures without extensive delays. Yet, major infrastructure changes can take considerable time and funding, necessitating urgent action from city and state officials.
State DOT Director Ed Sniffen acknowledged that while education and individual behavioral changes are rapidly achievable, fundamental infrastructure updates require a longer-term commitment to funding and planning.
“We’re moving forward with the education for the community and we’re trying to appeal to the community,” Sniffen stated.
The state has been trying to expedite infrastructure improvements by utilizing data and monitoring equipment to identify high-risk areas for speeding and unsafe driving behaviors.
As new initiatives are explored, key local leaders stress the need to treat road safety as a public health crisis and prioritize comprehensive strategies that address both immediate enforcement and long-term infrastructure needs.
Until infrastructure is adequately addressed, the current alarming trends may continue to escalate, further impacting Oʻahu’s vulnerable road users and the communities they represent.
image source from：civilbeat
