HONOLULU (KHON2) — As thousands of students, families and school employees prepare to return to classrooms across Oʻahu, the Honolulu Police Department is increasing traffic safety education and enforcement efforts to help keep roads safe during the back-to-school season.
The initiative is part of HPD’s ongoing Safer Roads, Together campaign, which focuses on reducing dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes and fatalities.
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“Our officers will be visible in school zones and other high-risk areas, but keeping our roads safe also depends on each of us,” Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar said. “Please slow down, put the phone away and give yourself extra time so our keiki can get to school and home safely.”
HPD said officers will focus enforcement on several common traffic violations, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Jaywalking
- School zone violations
- Seat belt and child safety seat violations
- Impaired driving
- Operating a moped without a helmet
According to HPD, Oʻahu has recorded 25 traffic fatalities in 2026, down from 46 fatalities during the same period in 2025. While the number of deaths has decreased, officials said many serious crashes continue to involve preventable behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield.
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Throughout the school year, officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement, targeted traffic operations in areas with recurring crash concerns, community outreach events and educational campaigns through schools, neighborhood organizations and social media…