Police cracking down on underage drinking

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With student summer break in full swing, multiple units of Hawaii Police Department — including the Hilo Community Policing Section, Area I Juvenile Aid Section and South Hilo Patrol District — are stepping up enforcement of underage drinking and curfew and public park hours violations.

“These measures aim to ensure the safety of everyone utilizing the beach and parks during the student summer break and to provide a secure environment for all,” said Lt. William Derr, of the Hilo Community Policing Section.

Enforcement teams will be patrolling areas on a regular basis and will cite anyone who violates liquor laws, such as underage drinking and drinking illegally in public, police said.

In the first six months of 2024, Hawaii Island police have arrested five people for underage drinking, compared to 13 underage drinking arrests in 2023 and 16 arrests in 2022.

For more information, please contact the Hilo Community Policing Section at (808) 961-2350.