Honolulu police chief pleads with drivers to slow down after ‘rough week’ on Oahu’s roads

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Decelerate and transfer over.

That was the message Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan had for drivers who come throughout first responders on the street.

The plea comes after an officer was critically injured in a single day Sunday as he was helping with site visitors at a earlier crash scene. The incident occurred within the Harano Tunnel on the H-3 Freeway when a a 25-year-old man swerved to overlook a stalled car.

First responders mentioned the 46-year-old officer between these two automobiles, sustaining crucial accidents to his legs.

Below Hawaii’s “Transfer Over” regulation, drivers are required to maneuver over a lane once they come throughout first responders at a crash scene.

“This previous week has been a tough one for HPD and our group,” he mentioned.

Logan beforehand mentioned the officer who was injured has 15 years of service and is assigned to District 4.

The incident was the most recent in a sequence of disturbing incidents on Oahu roadways.

Final Thursday, an officer was attacked by a person with a hammer throughout a site visitors cease in Laie and was critically injured.

Logan mentioned that officer has been launched from the hospital and is presently recovering at dwelling.

On Feb. 9, one other officer was struck by a car on Moanalua Freeway again on Feb. 9. Officers mentioned he was in his police car and was rear-ended; he was not severely damage. The 57-year-old feminine driver in that crash was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Logan additionally talked about the heartbreaking case of 16-year-old Sara Yara, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver whereas strolling to high school on Kapiolani Boulevard. That driver later turned himself in and has been launched pending additional investigation.

“Look out for one another,” Logan mentioned.

FBI Honolulu Civilian Academy Alumni Affiliation member Sheryl Ferido mentioned the current string of accidents are troubling. She hopes the general public continues to point out their help and aloha for Hawaii’s regulation enforcement officers.

The affiliation lately spearheaded a Gentle Hawaii Blue Marketing campaign.

”The Gentle Hawaii Blue marketing campaign encourages individuals to purchase blue mild bulbs and set up them on their porches or wherever else seen on their houses,” Ferido mentioned.

“The lights imply loads to the officers and I’ve personally heard tales about how that encourages them to do the essential work that they do.”

To study extra concerning the Gentle Hawaii Blue marketing campaign, click on right here.

Copyright 2023 Hawaii Information Now. All rights reserved.