HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT DEXTER VERIATO
PHONE: 961-2305
MAY 23, 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
During the week of May 16-22, 2005, Big Island police arrested 16 motorists for drunk driving. Two of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes.
So far this year, there have been 288 DUI arrests, compared to 411 during the same period last year, a decrease of 30 percent. The number of arrests by district were:
| District | Weekly Total | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hamakua | 1 | 2 |
| North Hilo | 0 | 1 |
| South Hilo | 5 | 91 |
| Puna | 1 | 49 |
| Ka’u | 1 | 10 |
| Kona | 7 | 115 |
| South Kohala | 1 | 17 |
| North Kohala | 0 | 3 |
| Island Total | 16 | 288 |
There have been 659 major accidents so far this year, compared to 953 during the same period last year, a decrease of 30 percent.
There have been 15 traffic fatalities on the Big Island so far this year, compared to 18 for the same period last year, a decrease of 17 percent. There has been seven alcohol-related fatalities so far this year, compared to five at this time last year, a decrease of 40 percent. There have been two drug-related fatalities so far this year, compared to six at the same time last year, a decrease of 67 percent.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will be continued on an islandwide basis.
# # #