The Maui News

Police are planning impaired driving checkpoints and saturation patrols over the Labor Day holiday weekend, which police said has been one of the deadliest times of year for impaired-driving deaths.

Traffic officers will participate in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Saturation Saturday event as part of the enforcement that will continue through the holiday.

Motorists can expect a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement, including the use of unmarked police vehicles.

So far this year, police have made 337 impaired driving arrests, compared with 342 at the same time last year. The arrests this year include 17 for habitually driving impaired. The felony offense can be charged when someone is arrested for driving impaired after two prior convictions within 10 years or if someone has been convicted of habitual impaired driving at least once within 10 years.

“Habitually driving impaired arrests in Maui County have seen a drastic 400 percent increase this year alone,” police said in a news release.

“We need our community to understand: It is up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober and help put an end to these senseless preventable deaths occurring on our roadways,” police said. “The Maui Police Department does not tolerate impaired driving. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested.”

Police asked that people call police if they see someone suspected of driving impaired.

For those who plan to drink alcohol, police recommend planning a safe way home before starting to drink. Those who have been drinking can call ride-sharing services, take a taxi or call a sober friend or family member, police said.