MEDIA RELEASE

Independence Day falls on a Monday this year, and that will provide a long weekend for many of us. Big Island police are informing motorists that police will conduct DUI checkpoints throughout the Big Island during the 4th of July weekend and throughout the rest of the summer break. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”

The Hawai’i Police Department wants to remind motorists about the Shared Ride Taxi Program. The County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency maintains this program all year long. Under the program, every individual is entitled to buy subsidized taxi coupons for as low as $2 each and use them with participating taxi companies. For details, call 961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org/shared-ride-taxi-program.

During the first half of this year, there were 11 traffic deaths on Big Island public roadways compared with 17 fatalities for the same time last year. Alcohol was a possible factor in 40 percent of those fatalities.

“Always remember to wear your seat belt, obey the speed limit and not drink and drive,” said Sergeant Robert P. Pauole. “Obey these three simple laws and you will save a life—possibly your own.”