HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT DEXTER VERIATO
PHONE: 961-2305
DECEMBER 7, 2004
MEDIA RELEASE
During the week of November 29-December 5, 2004, Big Island police arrested 18 motorists for drunk driving. Four of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes.
So far this year, there have been 992 DUI arrests, compared to 957 during the same period last year, an increase of 4 percent. The numbers of arrests by district were:
| District | Weekly Total | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hamakua | 0 | 12 |
| North Hilo | 0 | 6 |
| South Hilo | 9 | 270 |
| Puna | 3 | 145 |
| Ka’u | 0 | 12 |
| Kona | 5 | 469 |
| South Kohala | 1 | 57 |
| North Kohala | 0 | 21 |
| Island Total | 18 | 992 |
There have been 2,304 major accidents so far this year, compared to 2,128 during the same period last year, an increase of 6 percent.
There have been 39 traffic fatalities on the Big Island so far this year, compared to 31 for the same period last year, an increase of 26 percent. There have been eight fatalities attributed to drunk driving so far this year, compared to 11 at this time last year, a decrease of 27 percent. There have been 13 drug-related fatalities so far this year, compared to 13 fatalities at the same time last year.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will be continued on an islandwide basis.
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