HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT RANDY APELE
PHONE: 961-2305
DECEMBER 9, 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

During the week of December 1-7, 2003, Big Island police arrested 24 motorists for drunk driving. Two of the drivers were involved in traffic collisions, and two were under the age of 21.

So far this year, there have been 966 DUI arrests, compared to 818 during the same period last year, an increase of 18 percent.

There have been 2,197 major accidents so far this year, compared to 2,098 during the same period last year, an increase of 5 percent.

There have been 31 fatalities so far this year, compared to 26 for the same period last year, an increase of 19 percent. There have been six fatalities attributed to drunk driving so far this year, compared to 10 at this time last year, a decrease of 40 percent. There have been two drug-related fatalities so far this year, compared to none at the same time last year.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will be continued on an islandwide basis.

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