Holiday Safety Press Conference Successful!

Hawaii, along with co-sponsors Par Hawaii (Hele gas stations) and DTRIC Insurance, launched the annual “Tie One On for Safety” red ribbon campaign today to encourage safe driving this holiday season. MADD urges motorists to drive responsibly and consider a designated driver or rideshare if consuming alcohol. Displaying a MADD red ribbon, window cling, or magnetic decal signals a commitment to safety, and reminds drivers to choose a non-drinking, unimpaired driver.

Since 1986, this campaign has been MADD’s longest-running public awareness initiative, promoting safe holiday travel by urging drivers to plan ahead—whether by using rideshare services, public transportation, or a designated driver. The red ribbons also show support for law enforcement, who are working hard to protect the public through enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

Speakers at the press conference highlighted the importance of safe driving, emphasizing the risk drunk drivers pose to everyone on the road. Speakers included (left to right in the photo above)

Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation, Director Ed Sniffen
U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Melvin Torres, USCG Auxiliary Liaison
Honolulu Police Department, Chief Joe Logan
State Department of Law Enforcement, Sheriff Division, Director Jordan Lowe
Emcee, Linda Jameson Myer, MADD Advisory Board Member
Par Hawaii / HELE gas stations, Retail Operations Manager, David Jessee
DTRIC Insurance, Vice President/Chief Claims Officer, Mike Mishima
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department, Chief of Operations Jeff Zuckernick
Honolulu Fire Department, Assistant Chief Kevin Mokulehua

Honolulu Police Department Chief Logan

Sponsors: David Jesse, Par Hawaii/Hele and Mike Mishima, DTRIC Insurance

MADD red ribbons are available at Hele gas stations statewide. MADD also offers safety tips and DTRIC provides mocktail recipes online. Special thanks to Mayor Blangiardi for his video message and to Becker Communications for the photographs and for supporting the event.

MADD Hawaii Advisory Board members: Kathy Weldon, Lori Harrison, Linda Jameson Myers, Theresa Paulette, Arkie Koehl
and staff: Kim Isaak, Makena Young, and Lexi Brown

Media Coverage: W ake UP 2day, KHON, Spectrum New