Police Arrest 26 Motorists for DUI Offenses

Hawai`i Island Police personnel arrested 26 motorists for DUI offenses during the week of August 18 through August 24, 2014.

That brings the total number of DUI arrests for the year up to 772. At this same time last year, police had made 817 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Of the arrests made last week, four individuals were taken into custody after being involved in traffic crashes. Three of them were under the age of 21.

There has been a marked increase in major accidents on Big Island roadways this year, with 1,014 significant vehicle crashes to-date, compared to 891 during the same period last year, an increase of 14% year-over-year.

So far this year, nine people have died in vehicle crashes in Hawai`i County. During the same time period last year, 21 people lost their lives, a decrease of 57%.

Six of the deaths this year were drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.