Big Island police arrest 16 for suspected DUI

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Kona officers arrested half of the 16 motorist nabbed by Hawaii Island police for suspected driving under the influence of an intoxicant between June 22 and Sunday. Six of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Two were under the age of 21.

Kona officers arrested half of the 16 motorist nabbed by Hawaii Island police for suspected driving under the influence of an intoxicant between June 22 and Sunday. Six of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Two were under the age of 21.

So far this year, there have been 492 DUI arrests compared with 614 during the same period last year, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Kona officers arrested eight drivers while South Hilo and Puna officers arrested three drivers in each district, according to police. Officers in North Kohala and Ka’u arrested one driver in each district.

There have been 729 major accidents so far this year compared with 769 during the same period last year.

So far this year, there have been 12 traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island compared with seven during the same period last year, an increase of 71.4 percent.

To date, four fatalities were related to drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.