Hawaii Island experienced a slight increase in DUI arrests and traffic-related incidents in 2024, according to recent data released by local authorities.
In 2024, there were 964 DUI arrests, a 0.94 percent increase from 955 in 2023. The number of impaired drivers involved in traffic collisions also rose, with 277 such arrests in 2024 compared to 254 in 2023, marking an increase of 9.1 percent. Additionally, arrests for impaired drivers under the age of 21 saw a 9.2 percent increase, with 71 arrests in 2024, up from 65 the previous year.
Major traffic collisions on the island also increased in 2024, with 987 reported, compared to 843 in 2023, representing a rise of 17.1 percent. The number of fatal crashes also saw a significant increase, with 26 fatal crashes resulting in 29 fatalities in 2024, compared to 14 fatal crashes and 15 fatalities in 2023. This marks an increase of 85.7 percent in fatal crashes and a 93.3 percent rise in fatalities.
In light of these statistics, law enforcement agencies have continued DUI roadblocks and patrols across the island, as part of ongoing efforts to address impaired driving and promote safety on the roads.
As part of the ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving, local legislators have introduced a number of bills in the 2025 legislative session aimed at strengthening laws and increasing penalties related to DUI offenses.
One such bill, SB346, proposes lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol from 0.08 to 0.05. Introduced by Senator Karl Rhoads, this measure seeks to reduce the BAC limit in an effort to prevent impaired driving and its associated risks.
Another proposed measure, HB115, introduced by Representative Joy San Buenaventura, would require defendants convicted of causing the death or disability of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to make financial restitution to the minor children affected.
SB225, introduced by Senators Elefante, Chang, Fukunaga, and others, seeks to require restitution from defendants convicted of negligent homicide in the first degree, specifically those causing the death of a parent or guardian while under the influence, to provide financial support for the surviving children.
These legislative measures aim to address impaired driving in Hawaii and offer solutions to provide financial support to families affected by such incidents. The bills are currently being reviewed by lawmakers and may lead to changes in the legal landscape surrounding DUI offenses.
