The number of drunken driving arrests on the island of Hawaii have increased by 2.4 percent, county police reported today.

Hawaii County Police Department reported that there have been 1,426 DUI arrests so far this year, compared with 1,392 during the same period last year, an increase of 2.4 percent. 

The number of major accidents also increased by 3.2 percent.

There have been 1,382 major accidents so far this year in Hawaii County, compared with 1,339 during the same period last year, police reported.

During the week of Dec. 10 through Dec. 16, Hawaii Island police arrested 32 motorists for drunk driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. One was under the age of 21. 

So far this year, there were 37 traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island compared with 21 during the same period last year, an increase of 76.2 percent. 

Police said DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.