DUI checkpoints 06-30-10

Hawai’i Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Sergeant Kelly Kaaumoana-Matsumoto
Phone: 961-2305
June 30, 2010

Image: six persons in reflective vests

DUI checkpoints planned for holiday weekend

Media Release

Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year, and that will provide a long weekend for many of us. Big Island police are informing motorists that police will conduct DUI checkpoints throughout the Big Island during the upcoming weekend and throughout the rest of the summer break. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest."

On Tuesday (June 29), officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit, supported by the Traffic Services Section and Lisa Onorato, MADD Program Coordinator,  conducted a DUI checkpoint in Hilo. They reminded motorists about the hazards of drinking and driving and gave them literature on the subject with emphasis on how little it takes to exceed the legal Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08 percent as well as information about the Shared Ride Taxi Program.

The County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency maintains this program all year long. Every individual is entitled to buy subsidized taxi coupons for as low as $2 each and use them with participating taxi companies. For details, call 961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org/shared-ride-taxi-program.

During the first half of this year, there were 18 traffic deaths on the Big Island roadways—almost twice as many as in the same time frame last year. Alcohol was involved in at least half of those fatalities. 

"Always remember to have a designated, sober and licensed driver before you start drinking," said Sergeant Kelly Ka’aumoana-Matsumoto. "If you don’t find one, don’t take a chance—take a taxi!"



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