Holidays are good time to be MADD

Fewer people with recent drunken-driving records are likely to be behind the wheel after celebrating the coming holidays — and that’s a good thing.

More then 900 breathalyzers have been installed in vehicles in Hawaii in the past 101/2 months. Hawaii is among 32 states that require DUI offenders to equip their vehicles with cellphone-sized breathalyzers connected to ignitions. Ignition interlock prevents a driver from starting the engine after imbibing to a 0.02 blood-alcohol level.

As for those yet to be caught for DUI and saddled with interlocks, don’t even go there. As Jennifer Dotson, executive director of Hawaii’s Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says, "As we head into the happy holiday season, please be safe and sober."

Give thanks by giving food

Today is the last day to join the Institute for Human Services’ efforts to help Honolulu’s needier residents enjoy a happier Thanksgiving meal.

The annual "Give Thanks" program has been moved up from Thanksgiving Day at the request of clients, who need time to prepare. While IHS has been accepting nonperishable items for some time, today is the only day to bring in fresh produce.

In addition to distributing food today, IHS will serve its usual Thanksgiving meal, courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The agency may have filled out its complement of volunteers to pack and deliver food, but it doesn’t hurt to check with them to be sure: Call 447-2811.