‘Drive with Aloha:’ Honolulu raises driving awareness for summer months

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The summer months are right around the corner, and so are what are traditionally the most dangerous and deadly months on Honolulu roads.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the Honolulu Police Department and other organizations raised awareness when it comes to the issue of impaired driving by declaring May 8 as “Drive with Aloha Day” in Honolulu.

The ultimate goal — help teens and young adults make good decisions before getting behind the wheel, protect Hawaii’s keiki and honor those we’ve lost.

Officials said Oahu has seen more than double the number of traffic deaths this year compared to last year and an increase in speeding tickets.

We approach this meeting today with the spirit of ‘Drive with Aloha,’ but also a deep concern. We hope that our message gets out there and we’re going to ask a lot — not only from our young people, but everybody on the road this time of year. We don’t want to lose anybody else to unnecessary motor vehicle fatality.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi

For some, “Drive with Aloha” means to drive respectfully, courteously and with kindness.

“We encourage people who don’t feel like they’re in the right mind or not in the right state to drive to pull over, take a breath and think more intentionally about being on the road,” said Councilmember Andria Tupola. “A vehicle can turn into a weapon. We don’t want that to happen.”

And as graduation season nears, Honolulu Police Maj. James Slayter urges parents to have conversations with their teens to avoid making decisions while under the influence.

“You’ve worked so hard to get your diploma, your degree. You don’t want to throw it away over one bad decision or one bad choice,” Maj. Slayter said. “I know there’s a saying ‘100 Deadliest Days.’ I think we have an opportunity to make it the 100 safest days. It’s going to take everyone working together.”

After signing the proclamation, the Mayor, Honolulu police officers, City Councilmembers and others took to the streets to wave signs and share their message to “Drive with Aloha.”