Whenever I see a motorcyclist without a helmet, I judge them. Yes, I get it's your right or whatever to be an idiot, but you're still an idiot. That doesn't change. Fact of the matter is, motorcycle helmets save lives as they have been categorically shown to reduce fatalities and injuries if and when you crash or have an accident.
Yet, everyone seems to think they have the right to do whatever the hell they want, despite the consequences of their actions and the subsequent drain on an already taxed healthcare system. Squids gonna be squids, no matter the evidence.
And this fight, a fight among those who hope to protect an segment of the population too stupid to wear a damn helmet and the morons who scream "It's my right to get into an accident and become a vegetable making everyone I love live's worse!" is one that's currently brewing in Hawaii, as the governor has said he'd sign a far more comprehensive motorcycle and scooter helmet law if it crosses his desk.
Darwin, how'd we get here?
Motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities have all increased in Hawaii in recent years. In 2025 alone, 61% of the fatalities clocked in the state were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Hawaii's laws only mandate that those below the age of 18 wear helmets. Once they turn 19, they're free to choose whether to wear one or not.
Because of the increase in deaths and injuries, however, Governor Josh Green told KHON2, "I do understand that people like some independence, but the truth is, almost all of these fatalities, especially if it’s on bikes, motorbikes or motorcycles, if people are without a helmet, the likelihood of dying is much higher," adding that he'd sign an update to the law requiring everyone to wear one. That, however, has been met with local opposition, as well follows a trend nationally where folks believe that the state is being all nanny to them.
They aren't, but people are people.
While KHON2 found local motorcyclists stating that the real problem is driver distraction, which is absolutely a thing and shouldn't be discounted, you're more likely to have a serious injury and/or die if you aren't wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries increase in likelihood, and that ending could wind you up on life support or requiring constant care for the rest of your adult life. And for folks to start making that decision at 18 when you brain isn't fully developed yet, that occurs at 25, is just crazy to me. It should be for you, too.
But for the folks protesting helmet laws, or the ones who shouted at me the last time this topic came up in our comments, it ain't a law yet. The Hawaiian legislature would have to bring it up, it'd have to pass muster, and that probably isn't going to happen due to all the other stuff legislative bodies are dealing with right now. It's a low-priority item, even though people die from the outcome of inaction. So for now, Hawaiian riders, and riders all around the country, are free to be idiots if they want.
You're still idiots.
