HONOLULU (KHON2) — Governor Josh Green has signed an executive order aimed at reducing traffic deaths, with a focus on e-bikes, speeding, and repeat offenders.
The order comes after a 38% rise in traffic fatalities so far this year compared to 2024. Nearly 90% of deadly crashes statewide have involved negligent behavior such as speeding, impaired driving, or unsafe use of e-bikes and mopeds.
Stricter E-Bike Rules
The order directs the Department of Transportation to set statewide standards for e-bikes and high-speed electric devices. That includes where they can operate, restrictions for non-conforming models, and retailer accountability.
“Section 1 gives us the leeway to build out the framework we already have ready to go for the next session for introducing laws around e-bikes,” explained Rep. Darius Kila, House Transportation Committee Chair, who had a bill laid out last legislative session.
Officials say the goal is uniform rules across all counties, so drivers can’t get away with violations in one county that would be illegal in another.
“The EO is directing everyone to be on the same page… we can’t let folks get away with something on Oahu, and they can’t get away with it on Kauai. All our neighbor islands… we have to be in unification. We can’t let another accident, it’s one too many,” Rep. Kila continued.
Former Maui Police traffic commander William Hankins also called for more accountability from e-bike retailers.
“If these e-bike dealers are selling these bikes full well knowing that they’re going to be used by kids under 15 years of age, they should be held accountable the same way an illegal tint company is held accountable if they put a legal tint on your window,” he said.
Cracking Down on Repeat Offenders
The governor is also urging courts to require safety classes for people cited for excessive speeding or DUI/OVUII.
Supporters say this puts real consequences behind violations that often get dismissed.
“These are the ones consistently driving under the influence… when you’re given an EO for the judicial folks to act in a way that they can no longer get off the hook… this is our teeth,” Kila added.
Video Evidence, Vehicle Impoundment, and Licensing Reforms
Other measures in the executive order include:
- Allowing dashcam video from the public to be used in investigations and prosecutions.
- Impounding vehicles or modified e-bikes for repeat traffic violations.
- Exploring a tiered driver license renewal system that rewards safe drivers but requires stricter oversight of those with multiple violations.
The DOT said it will discuss the tiered driver license renewal program with the counties but it could involve adjusting renewal intervals and requiring in-person testing for those with poor driving records (e.g., three or more moving violations).
HPD says the order underscores that traffic safety is everyone’s kuleana and supports Gov. Green’s executive order.
“This executive order underscores what we’ve been saying for months: traffic safety is everyone’s kuleana,” said Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic. “Our officers are out every day engaging with the community and enforcing the law. We all share the road and the responsibility to keep it safe. HPD is a partner on that journey, helping ensure every driver, passenger and pedestrian gets home safely.”
Since January 2025, Oʻahu has recorded 11 fatalities involving mopeds, e-bikes and e-motorbikes. HPD said 10 of the 11 victims were not wearing helmets. Contributing factors included speeding in two cases, impaired driving in two cases and reckless driving in three cases.
Since launching in late August, HPD’s Safer Roads, Together campaign has boosted education and enforcement efforts near high-traffic areas like Farrington Highway, Kamehameha Highway on the north shore, and the H1, H2 and H3 freeways.
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The DOT said Kunia Road and DKI Highway (Saddle Road) are two corridors they’re targeting for safety improvements and assessment, and they use crash data and recorded speeding and hard breaking events to refine identification of corridors that need additional improvement.