More than twice as many people have died in car crashes on Hawaii Island this year compared with last year. 

So far this year, 17 people have died in 15 car crashes (two of which had multiple deaths). 

For the same period last year, eight people died in seven car crashes (one of which had multiple deaths), according to a news release. 

After reviewing data, the Hawaii Police Department’s Traffic Services Section found 366 major crashes this year compared with 326 during the same time last year. 

The police department is conducting DUI roadblocks and patrols island-wide, hoping to reduce the number of crashes. 

During the week of May 6 to 12, 2024, the police department arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21. 

In 2024, the Hawaii Police Department arrested 347 people for DUIs