Police Urge Motorists to Plan Ahead for Labor Day, Stress Sober Driving

The Hawai‘i Police Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up for a nationwide campaign to prevent drunk driving from Friday, August 15, through Labor Day weekend. With two weeks until the holiday, the department is urging residents and visitors to plan ahead and drive safely as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.

“With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, our top priority is keeping our community safe,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services program manager. “If your plans include drinking, please plan ahead and arrange for a safe way to get home.”

Residents and visitors can expect increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints across Hawai‘i Island throughout the high-visibility enforcement campaign. “Our officers will be out actively monitoring for impaired drivers. We’re committed to doing everything we can to keep our roads safe,” Keltner added.

Impaired driving is totally preventable, yet more than 12,000 people are killed each year because someone selfishly decides to drive under the influence. Locally, as of August 13, 2025, in Hawai’i County there have been 14 fatal crashes resulting in 15 fatalities with impairment by alcohol or drugs a factor in 50 percent of those deaths.

Hawai‘i Police Department offers the following driving tips for a safe holiday weekend:

• Before heading out, decide on a safe ride home. Use public transportation, rideshare services, or call a friend if you’re impaired.
• If you’re hosting an event, ensure your guests have access to safe transportation options.
• Be aware of the consequences: drunk driving offenders face fines, license suspensions, and possible imprisonment.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy their Labor Day Weekend without the fear of impaired drivers on the road,” said Keltner. “We ask for everyone’s cooperation in making smart, responsible choices.”

If you see an impaired driver on the road, please call 911.