BRIEF: Latest DUI Numbers Shows Rise in Arrests, Accidents

DUI arrests, major traffic accidents, and traffic fatalities are all on the rise in comparison to the same period in 2011.

The latest set of numbers released by the Hawaii Police Department reflect incidents that took place between March 5-11 of this year. During that span, 31 motorists were booked for DUI related offenses, with nine of them involved in traffic accidents. Two of those booked were under the legal drinking age of 21.

The 31 arrests have pushed the total number of DUI arrests to 281, which is seven more than last year, a rise of 2.6 percent.

Major traffic accidents are also up by 6.9 percent in comparison to the same period of time last year. 293 accidents have occured on Hawaii Island, an increase of 19.

Traffic fatalities are also up from last year. The seven traffic deaths that have taken place this year is one more than last year. Based on these numbers, authorities say that they will continue to set up DUI roadblocks and patrols island wide.