HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT RANDY APELE
PHONE: 961-2305
SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
MEDIA RELEASE
During the week of August 25-31, 2003, Big Island police arrested 15 motorists for drunk driving. Five of the drivers were involved in traffic collisions, and two were under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 657 DUI arrests, compared to 570 during the same period last year, an increase of 15 percent.
There have been 1,562 major accidents so far this year, compared to 1,454 during the same period last year, an increase of 7 percent.
There have been 20 fatalities so far this year, compared to 18 for the same period last year, an increase of 11 percent. (NOTE: A previous recorded fatality was reclassified as a non-traffic accident on August 25, 2003.) There have been two fatalities attributed to drunk driving so far this year, compared to five DUI-related fatalities at this time last year, a decrease of 60 percent.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will be continued on an islandwide basis.
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