Honolulu’s roads witnessed an uptick in DUI arrests during the second week of January, with 23 drivers apprehended for driving under the influence. Of those arrested, ten motorists were involved in traffic accidents, and notably, one was under the legal drinking age of 21. This year has seen a 20.7 percent increase in DUI arrests over the same period last year, with numbers rising from 29 to 35, according to a report from Hawai`i Island Police Department.
In terms of traffic accidents, the island has experienced a downward trend. Police data reveal a decrease in major crashes, with metrics pointing to 26 major accidents this year compared to 32 last year, translating to an 18.8 percent reduction. Moreover, fatalities have also dipped. “So far in 2025, there have been two fatal crashes, resulting in two fatalities compared with three fatal crashes, resulting in three fatalities for the same time last year,” the Hawai`i Police Department report stated, marking a decrease of 33.3 percent in both fatal crashes and fatalities. The count for non-traffic fatalities, which are incidents not involving a public roadway, remains at zero, consistent with last year’s figure for the same timeframe.
The Hawai`i Police Department is maintaining vigilance and has indicated DUI roadblocks and patrols will persist across the island to stem the issue of impaired driving. As last year’s data showed, the threat of traffic altercations and fatalities due to DUI is palpable, and the authorities are committed to ensuring they decrease in frequency. The proactive measures fall in line with welfare efforts to fortify roadway safety standards and safeguard community well-being…