HILO, HI – The week of December 9 to December 15, 2024, saw a notable uptick in DUI arrests on Hawai`i Island, with 18 motorists taken into custody for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Among those arrested, seven were involved in traffic accidents, and two of the drivers were under the legal drinking age of 21.

This week’s arrests bring the total number of DUI offenses for 2024 to 923, a 2.33 percent increase from the 902 arrests recorded during the same period in 2023. The distribution of DUI arrests across districts for the week and year-to-date is as follows:

• Hilo: 7 weekly arrests, 271 year-to-date
• North Hilo: 1 weekly arrest, 7 year-to-date
• Hāmākua: 0 weekly arrests, 4 year-to-date
• South Kohala: 1 weekly arrest, 70 year-to-date
• North Kohala: 1 weekly arrest, 23 year-to-date
• Kona: 5 weekly arrests, 340 year-to-date
• Ka‘ū: 1 weekly arrest, 24 year-to-date
• Puna: 2 weekly arrests, 184 year-to-date

While DUI arrests have risen, the island has also seen a concerning increase in overall traffic accidents. Hawai`i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reports 943 major crashes in 2024, a significant 16.3 percent rise from the 811 major crashes during the same period in 2023.

Tragically, fatal crashes have seen an even steeper increase. As of mid-December, Hawai`i Island has recorded 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 fatalities—up from 14 fatal crashes and 15 fatalities during the same period last year. This marks an 85.7 percent increase in fatal crashes and an 86.7 percent increase in fatalities.

There has also been one non-traffic fatality this year, compared to none in 2023.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Hawai`i Police Department continues to conduct DUI roadblocks and patrols across the island, reinforcing efforts to reduce impaired driving and prevent further accidents. Authorities are urging the public to drive responsibly, use designated drivers, and avoid driving under the influence to ensure safer roads for all.

With the holiday season ahead, officials stress the importance of vigilance and personal responsibility behind the wheel.