Vision Zero Hawai‘i underscores Kaua‘i’s commitment to safe, equitable streets

Kaua‘i County — in partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Health — announces the launch of Vision Zero Hawai‘i.

The statewide public service announcement campaign highlights Hawai‘i’s commitment to eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Public service announcements have aired on TV, radio, digital platforms, print media and in malls statewide throughout August.

Kaua‘i County continues to collaborate with national, state and community partners as part of the campaign to advance Vision Zero.

The campaign serves as a timely call to action, with traffic deaths on Hawai‘i roads increasing by more than 50% in 2025 compared to this time last year.

Garden Isle residents have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsafe roads firsthand.

Three lives have been lost in traffic-related incidents this year on Kaua‘i, a sobering reminder of the urgent need for safer streets.

“We know the heartbreak that comes when lives are lost on our roadways, and we are determined to prevent more families from experiencing that pain,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in the county’s announcement.

Vision Zero emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility so everyone — whether walking in Līhu‘e or biking in Hanapēpē — can travel with confidence.

“Vision Zero is more than a campaign,” Kawakami said. “It’s a long-term commitment to redesigning our roads, improving safety for everyone and building communities where people can get where they need to go without fear.”

Staying active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, yet most adults and youth in Hawai‘i do not meet federal physical activity guidelines.

“Physical inactivity is a major contributor to chronic disease, and walking, biking and rolling are ways to promote daily movement, especially for keiki and kūpuna,” said state Health Department Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division Administrator Lola Irvin in the announcement. “Creating safe, convenient and connected routes to everyday destinations like grocery stores, schools and parks helps Hawai‘i residents stay physically active.”

The public can support Vision Zero by encouraging safer street designs in their neighborhoods, being responsible and attentive road users, participating in planning meetings that promote safer roads and supporting legislation that prioritizes walking and biking safety.

Kaua‘i County is in the development phase for its Vision Zero Safety Action Plan to achieve the goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2040.

More information about the project will be shared soon. Visit the Vision Zero Hawai‘i website for updates and additional resources.

“From Hanalei to Waimea, we are working to make our streets safer for all,” Kawakami said.