HONOLULU -- The state kicked off a motorcycle awareness campaign this week that has one element that many riders are not happy about.

Twenty-two people were killed in motorcycle accidents in Hawaii in 2005, according to the latest statistics. It was the eighth straight year that motorcycle fatalities went up.

Robert Kent has been riding motorcycles in Hawaii for 42 years and he had a close call on Thursday.

"A vehicle was backing out of a driveway and they didn't see me, and I had to curve around the back of them," he said.

On Wednesday, a rider was critically injured when a car ran a red light on Nimitz Highway.

Kent and other riders gathered with government officials to talk about the state's awareness campaign. Public service announcements began airing on TV and radio.

"It talks about driver awareness, sharing the road, sharing the space that you do have for everybody who drives whatever mode of transportation they feel suits their lifestyle," Department of Transportation Director Barry Fukunaga said.

The campaign also targets the riders themselves and wearing helmets.

That message does not sit well with some motorcyclists.

"Let the rider decide for himself. Let those who ride decide," Kent said.

"Helmets can be a danger too. If you hit your head you can break your neck if you have a helmet on," said Brian Grayling of Street Bikers United Hawaii.