DUI Arrests Stay Below Last Year’s Numbers

For the second consecutive week, DUI arrests are below last year’s totals for the week of May 14 – 20.

According to the most recent statistics, the 558 DUI arrests issued this year is a 3.3 percent drop, or a 19 arrest difference, from the same period last year. This past week, 32 arrests were added to that total, with nine of those drivers involved in traffic accidents, and one of the 32 arrested was under the age of 21.

On the flip side, traffic accidents are increased from the same point last year. According to the Hawaii Police Department, 576 traffic accidents have taken place this year, a 6.3 percent rise, or a difference of 34 crashes, from last year’s totals.

Also up are the number of traffic fatalities on the island. The 14 traffic deaths on the Big Island is a five person increase, or 55.6 percent rise, from 2011 totals. Four of the fourteen  deceased were related to drug use, while another traffic fatality was related to alcohol use.