The Hawaii Department of Transportation is reminding drivers it is illegal and dangerous to stop, park or stand on the highway to watch aerial fireworks.

State and county law enforcement officers will cite people who pull over on the highway, according to a news release.

In past years, law enforcement has witnessed dangerous situations when people illegally used the freeway to view fireworks. Honolulu Police Department Capt. James Slayter said at a press conference in 2022 that videos posted to social media showed families with young children at the side of the road, some with tents, tables and chairs. 

“These individuals put themselves and other drivers at risk, cause significant traffic congestion and obstruct emergency response vehicles,” said HDOT in its news release.

HDOT, along with the Honolulu Police Department and Hawaii State Sheriffs, posted electronic road signs and portable message boards reminding drivers not to stop on the freeway unless it's an emergency and warning violators law enforcement will cite them.

In 2023, there were 93 fatalities on Hawaii’s roads.