Police arrest 17 for DUI

During the week of May 22-28, Hawaii Island police arrested 17 motorists for DUI.

Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21.

The numbers of arrests by district were: South Hilo, seven; Kona, four; Puna, three; South Kohala, two; and Ka‘u, one.

So far this year, there have been 492 DUI arrests compared to 456 during the same period last year, an increase of 7.9 percent.

There have been 579 major accidents this year compared to 614 during the same period last year, a decrease of 5.7 percent.

There have been 18 official traffic fatalities this year compared to 10 at this time last year, an increase of 80 percent. In addition, there have been four vehicle-related fatalities this year police don’t count toward the official total — two that occurred in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and two that took place on private property.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide, police said.