Police to Increase DUI Checks, Patrols

File photo.

High school graduations and the upcoming Memorial Day weekend will put the Hawai’i Police Department on high alert in the effort to prevent tragedy on Big Island roadways.

DUI checkpoints and roving patrols began Friday night and will run through the end of the month as part of the national and statewide “Drunk Driving: Driver Sober of Get Pulled Over” campaign.

HPD reminds the public that driving under the influence of alcohol is a danger to every motorist, passenger, and pedestrian encountered by the driver.

“Please do your part to keep our roads safe,” said Sergeant Robert Pauole from HPD’s Traffic Services Section. “Always remember to have a designated sober and licensed driver before you start driving. If you don’t find one, don’t take a chance – take a taxi.”

So far in 2016, there have been over 400 DUI arrests and over 120 traffic collisions related to impaired driving.