47 accused of drunken driving

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During the week of Oct. 15-21, Big Island police arrested 47 motorists for drunken driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Two were under the age of 21.

During the week of Oct. 15-21, Big Island police arrested 47 motorists for drunken driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Two were under the age of 21.

The numbers of arrests by district were: South Hilo, 27; Kona, 12; Puna, 6; and Hamakua, 2.

So far this year, there have been 1,170 DUI arrests compared to 1,189 during the same period last year, a decrease of 1.6 percent.

There have been 1,172 major accidents so far this year compared to 1,113 during the same period last year, an increase of 5.3 percent.

So far this year, there were 35 traffic fatalities on the Big Island compared to 16 during the same period last year, an increase of 118.8 percent.

To date, 22 of the fatalities have been linked to impaired driving: eight to drugs; four to alcohol; and 10, a combination of both.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.