Maui DUI Enforcement Ramped up for National Campaign

Photo collage by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police will increase drunk-driving enforcement efforts during a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign which runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2.

As part of the campaign, Maui police will be setting up unannounced intoxication checkpoints throughout Maui County, including Hāna, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, said Maui Police Lieutenant Ricky Uedoi, commander of the Traffic Section.

“With two holidays during this period, we encourage those who will be drinking to find designated drivers or other alternative modes of transportation,” said Lt. Uedoi.

In addition to DUI enforcement, Maui police say the department will also be enforcing seat belt, child restraint, distracted driving and speeding violations during this period.

“Drivers need to ensure that everyone within their vehicles are buckled up as it is the driver’s responsibility. A reminder that those caught using a electronic mobile device will be cited and will need to appear in court,” said Lt. Uedoi.

Other police departments are also increasing enforcement. On Hawaiʻi Island police announced that they would be setting up 20 to 30 sobriety checkpoints island-wide.

Hawaiʻi Island police report that the department has made more than 700 DUI arrests so far this year. Authorities say 12 of 21 traffic fatalities on Hawaiʻi Island involved drugs and/or alcohol.

“Impaired driving presents a potential danger to every motorist, passenger and pedestrian the driver encounters,” said Hawaiʻi Island police in a statement.