Hawai‘i Island police have reported a slight increase in DUI arrests this year, with 260 motorists apprehended compared to 250 in the previous year, marking a 4 percent rise. Despite this uptick, new figures suggest a decline in major crashes and fatalities on the island. According to Hawaii Police Department, there have been 265 major crashes to date in 2025, down from 275 the prior year.
Between March 31 and April 6, local authorities detained 20 drivers for driving under the influence, noted by the Hawai‘i Police Department. Out of those arrests, seven were connected to traffic collisions, and notably, one of the impaired drivers was under the legal drinking age. This arresting detail, signifies an ongoing problem with underage drinking and driving in the community.
The decrease in fatal accidents is particularly striking, with a 25 percent drop in fatal crashes – going from 12 to 9 year-on-year – and a corresponding 28.6 percent dip in fatalities, from 14 down to 10. These figures reflect a potentially encouraging trend towards safer roads on the island.
The Hawai'i Police Department is maintaining rigorous enforcement measures to combat DUI. The department has announced plans to continue with island-wide DUI roadblocks and patrols in an endeavor to curb the rate of alcohol-related incidents, which, retains the island's commitment to public safety.
