HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds drivers there are “No Excuses” for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If impaired, make plans ahead of time for transportation back home. It’s part of this year’s HDOT’s “No Excuses” Campaign in partnership with the four county police departments over the Labor Day weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • In partnership with four county police departments, the Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds drivers there are “No Excuses” when it comes to driving impaired

  • There will be more police patrolling the islands’ roadways over the Labor Day weekend

  • Remember, “Drive sober or get pulled over”

Preliminary state data for 2021 reported “out of 94 fatal crashes in Hawaii, 47.9% were related to speeding, and 61.7% of the drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for having alcohol and/or drugs in their systems.”

So far, in 2022, out of 76 fatal crashes in the state, 38.2% were related to speeding. Impaired driving-related statistics are currently unavailable because toxicology results are still pending, according to the HDOT.

“After a crash, there’s no excuse for speeding or driving drunk,” said HDOT Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen. “Even if you’ve made it home safely after making bad decisions in the past, it just takes one time for tragedy to strike.”

This weekend, Maui Police Department’s Traffic Division will be out enforcing its zero-tolerance response to impaired driving. “Saturation patrols, including impaired driving checkpoints, will be utilized to address impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors which have contributed to far too many deaths and injuries on our roadways,” stated a Maui County release.

Throughout Saturday, MPD will participate in the MADD Saturation Saturday enforcement event. Motorists will see more patrols, which will include marked and unmarked patrol vehicles.

To date, Maui County reports 363 impaired driving arrests, which includes 12 habitual impaired driving arrests, compared to 378 at the same time last year. Traffic fatalities thus far number 15 compared to 11 at the same time last year. All the fatalities have involved an impaired driver, speeding or not using a seat belt.

MPD reminds residents they do not tolerate impaired driving, and if caught, you will be arrested.

The Hawaii Police Department reports 663 DUI arrests have been made so far in 2022. In addition, they report traffic-related crashes have killed 25 people so far this year, compared to 15 at the same time last year; that’s an increase of 66.7%.

The Hawaii Police Department will also conduct additional patrols focused on impaired driving, speeding and any dangerous driving behavior. If stopped and determined to be under the influence, drivers will be arrested.

A few reminders: obey the speed limit; always buckle up; before consuming alcohol, make plans for a safe ride home; if you are with someone about to drive home while impaired, be a true friend and take the keys away, and help make arrangements to get them home safely.

Remember, “Drive sober or get pulled over.”

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.