HONOLULU (Island News) — It’s an unusual safety concern drivers may not expect during their daily commute, golf balls landing on a busy roadway.
Along Farrington Highway near Ko Olina, residents and motorists say golf balls from the nearby course have ended up on the road and near vehicles, raising concerns about potential crashes and injuries.
State Representative Darius Kila, who represents District 44, said at least one serious incident helped bring the issue to the forefront.
“One of my constituents had a golf ball land right into their windshield, shattering their whole entire windshield, and they had to quickly pull to the side of the road,” Kila said.
That incident prompted a Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) study requested through a legislative resolution during the 2025 session. HDOT reviewed crash data, incident reports and safety practices in coordination with Ko Olina Golf Club.
According to the report, there is not sufficient evidence at this time to classify golf balls reaching Farrington Highway as a high-priority roadway safety issue. HDOT noted that documented incidents are relatively rare based on available data.
Even so, state officials acknowledge that the findings do not fully capture residents’ experiences.
“I want to see, obviously, that there be no golf balls traversing into Farrington Highway,” Kila said.
As part of a voluntary response, Ko Olina Golf Club has committed to enhanced perimeter tree plantings and continued monitoring along the highway corridor. The goal is to strengthen natural buffers and reduce the likelihood of errant golf balls reaching the roadway.
However, some residents are calling for a more direct solution, specifically, the installation of netting between the course and the highway.
Kila said while netting is one possible option, it may not be the only answer.
“I don’t want to commit to one and then it’s not possible, or ask for one thing and it’s not going to happen, because I think both pathways could exist, whether that is the netting or more vegetation,” he said.
The HDOT report does not recommend legislative action at this time, but officials say the situation will continue to be monitored through routine safety assessments.
Kila believes the conversation should extend beyond Ko Olina.
He said golf courses statewide should evaluate how their operations impact nearby roadways and neighborhoods, while also balancing tourism, safety and the visual landscape.
Residents who have experienced golf balls landing near vehicles or causing damage are encouraged to report incidents.
“I welcome the feedback because when they communicate that to me, it goes directly to the golf course and the Department of Transportation,” Kila said.
HDOT and Ko Olina Golf Club said they will continue monitoring conditions along Farrington Highway as additional safety measures are considered.
