UPDATE: In a shocking week for road safety, the Hawai‘i Police Department reports a total of 19 DUI arrests from October 13 to October 19, 2025. Among those detained, seven motorists were involved in traffic accidents, and alarmingly, one was a minor under the age of 21. These figures highlight an ongoing challenge even as overall road traffic fatalities decline.
Despite a 7.03 percent decrease in DUI arrests compared to last year, with 727 arrests this year versus 782 in 2024, the roads have seen a concerning rise in major accidents. Authorities report that major crashes increased from 790 to 812, marking a 2.78 percent uptick in serious incidents.
In a positive turn, the year-to-date statistics show a significant reduction in fatalities on the islands. So far in 2025, there have been 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 deaths. This reflects a decrease of 22.73 percent in fatal crashes and a 25 percent drop in fatalities compared to the same period last year, when 24 deaths were recorded.
The statistics provide a glimmer of hope, particularly as no non-traffic fatalities have been reported in 2025, mirroring the figures from the previous year. However, the continued presence of DUI-related incidents raises critical concerns for public safety.
In response to these alarming numbers, the Hawai‘i Police Department is intensifying efforts to combat impaired driving. DUI roadblocks and increased patrols remain a staple across the islands.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all road users and to reduce the number of DUI incidents,”
stated a spokesperson from the department.
As authorities continue to focus on preventing impaired driving, residents are urged to remain vigilant. The latest developments in road safety underscore the urgency of responsible driving behavior, especially as the holiday season approaches, bringing increased traffic and celebrations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Community safety relies on collective responsibility—let’s work together to keep Hawai‘i’s roads safe.
