Six major traffic crashes reported over weekend

More drivers on the roads as beaches, parks reopen

Police responded to six major traffic crashes over the weekend, as people flocked to beaches reopened for sunbathing, sunset-watching and other activities.

"There are more people going down to the beaches," said police traffic commander Lt. William Hankins. "People are still going too fast. They're going too fast for the roads."

The increase in traffic coincided with Mayor Michael Victorino's reopening of beaches for activities other than exercise. Starting Saturday, people have been allowed to sunbathe, meditate and watch the sunset -- sedentary activities that were previously prohibited because of the COVID-19 crisis. More than 60 county parks also reopened over the weekend.

Social distancing rules remain in effect, as well as rules prohibiting gathering in groups of more than 10.

After issuing more than 900 citations for violations of public health emergency rules since March 28, most of them at beaches, police reported that no citations were issued over the weekend.

The weekend traffic collisions included one after 5 p.m. Saturday on Makena Alanui Road near Chang's Beach, when a speeding vehicle sideswiped another vehicle, then flipped over, Hankins said.

In another crash at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, a motorcyclist lost control on Honoapiilani Highway near Olowalu and was thrown off his motorcycle and hit a guardrail, Hankins said.

Crashes also were reported in Makawao and Pukalani.

Major crashes are those involving injury or damages over $3,000. None of the weekend collisions involved fatal or near-fatal injuries, although some injuries were serious, Hankins said.

He said police continue to be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding or disregarding other traffic laws.

"As things start to open up, there's going to be more and more traffic on the roads," he said. "We're already seeing more traffic. People are tired of being locked down."

"Everybody wants to go to the beach. Everybody wants to take advantage of whatever the mayor's going to open up. But do it safely."

With few tourists on the island, Hankins said it's residents who have been stopped for violating traffic laws.

"People are going too fast, and the tragedy's going to happen if this continues," he said. "They've got to slow down and abide by the speed limit."

"In the meantime, we're still going to be trying to keep the roads safe."

Over the weekend, police DUI Task Force officers made four arrests for impaired driving, including one for habitual DUI of a driver with prior drunken driving convictions.

While bars and restaurants remain closed, some people may be drinking alcohol at beach parks, then getting on the road when parks close at 7 p.m., Hankins said.

"If you use a sober driver, then the problem is resolved," he said.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.