As the long Memorial Day weekend approaches, and with graduation parties continuing, Big Island police say they will be on the alert for impaired drivers.
Officers will conduct DUI checkpoints and roving patrols beginning on Friday and continuing through Memorial Day Monday.
The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drunk Driving: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
“Driving under the influence of alcohol presents a potential danger to every motorist, passenger and pedestrian the driver encounters,” the department said in a statement.
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As of last week, police had made 488 DUI arrests so far this year, including 183 in Kona and 159 in Hilo.
There have been 610 major accidents in 2014, a 15% increase over last year at this time.
Police are reminding the public to have a designated sober and licensed driver before drinking starts. They say if one is not available, take a taxi.
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