Hawaii County police reported that drunken driving arrests so far this year lag behind arrests a year ago.

However, traffic deaths are up.

So far this year, there were 11 traffic fatalities on Hawaii island compared with seven fatalities during the same period last year, an increase of 57.1 percent. 

To date, one traffic death was related to drugs and a second to a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Police said there have been 342 DUI arrests compared with 362 during the same period last year, a decrease of 5.5 percent

During the week of March 25-31, Hawaii County police arrested 34 motorists for drunk driving. Six of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Five were under the age of 21. 

Police said there have been 318 major accidents so far this year compared with 378 during the same period last year, a decrease of 15.9 percent.