Illuminate Hawaii: Lighting Hawaii Red in Remembrance
On November 19, 2026, Hawaii will light up red in remembrance of lives forever changed by impaired driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawaii is proud to introduce Illuminate Hawaii, an inaugural statewide initiative bringing together landmarks, businesses, organizations, and community spaces across the islands for one powerful evening of remembrance.
On November 19, participating locations throughout Hawaii will illuminate their buildings and spaces red, MADD’s signature color, to honor those who have been killed or injured in impaired driving crashes and stand alongside the families, friends, and survivors who carry their stories forward.
Every Light Represents a Life
Behind every impaired driving statistic is a person.
A parent. A child. A sibling. A spouse. A friend.
Illuminate Hawaii is an opportunity to look beyond the numbers and remember the individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by impaired driving. As buildings across the state glow red, each light will serve as a symbol of remembrance, support, and hope.
For families who have lost someone, the holidays can be an especially difficult time of year. Traditions, celebrations, and gatherings can make the absence of a loved one feel even greater. Illuminate Hawaii creates a moment for our community to pause before the holiday season and remember those who should still be here.
A Reminder as We Enter the Holiday Season
November 19 also comes at an important time as Hawaii prepares for Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
As celebrations and gatherings increase, so does the importance of planning for a safe ride home. Illuminate Hawaii serves not only as a tribute to those impacted by impaired driving, but also as a reminder that each of us has the power to prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.
Choosing not to drive impaired, planning ahead for a sober ride, and speaking up when someone else is about to drive impaired are simple decisions that can save lives.
Hawaii Shines Together
Illuminate Hawaii will bring communities across the islands together through a shared display of red on November 19. The evening will also include a press conference recognizing victims and survivors and highlighting the importance of preventing impaired driving as we enter the holiday season.
When Hawaii lights up red, we hope people will stop and ask why.
The answer is simple: we remember.
We remember the lives lost. We stand with those who survived. We support the families who continue to grieve. And we recommit ourselves to creating a future where no more families have to experience the devastating and preventable consequences of impaired driving.
On November 19, Illuminate Hawaii with us — in remembrance, in support, and in hope.