The Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section recently reported that between March 18 and March 24, 2024, they arrested 19 motorists on Hawai’i Island for driving under the influence. It was noted that among these drivers, 11 were caught up in road accidents, while two were minors under 21 years old.
In comparison to last year, DUI arrests have declined by 11.8%, with a total of 216 arrests this year against 245 in the same period the previous year. The breakdown of arrests per district included 9 in Hilo, 8 in Kona, 2 in Puna, and none in North Hilo, Hamakua, South Kohala, North Kohala, and Ka’u.
Although DUI arrests have declined, circumstantially, the rate of major accidents has increased by 3.2% with 224 occurrences this year, compared to 217 of the previous year.
The year has also witnessed a significant rise in fatal crashes and fatalities. There have been 10 fatal crashes, leading to 11 deaths, marking a 150% increase in fatal crashes and 120% rise in fatalities compared to the same time last year.
Despite no fatalities occurring off public roadways in 2024, the department plans to persist with conducting island-wide DUI roadblocks and patrols.
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