Media release from the Hawaii County Police Department:

Big Island police are informing motorist that officers will conduct islandwide DUI checkpoints throughout the holiday season. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign starts December 16 and runs through January 2.

These are the likely penalties for a conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant:

• Minimum bail for release from jail—$500
• Installation of interlock system—$200 plus $92.56/month
• Loss of drivers license
• Possible cancellation of insurance policy or a premium increase of up to $100 per month
• Alcohol assessment classes—$107
• Community service
• Criminal probation
• Court fines
• Possible jail time

The Hawaiʻi Police Department also wants to remind motorist that Hilo and Kailua-Kona drinking establishments are distributing coupons during the holiday season for free taxi rides so customers won’t drink and drive. The free coupons are available through January 2.

The following nine taxi companies participate in the program: Ace One Taxi, Ali’i Taxi, Bay City Taxi, Bobby Taxi, Hot Lava Taxi, Marthysha’s Taxi and Percy’s Taxi in Hilo; J & A Taxi and Mr. K’s Taxi in Kailua-Kona.

Participating drinking establishments on the east side are:

100% Moxie, Anna’s Lounge, Bamboo Garden, Club Rainbow, Club Rose, Coqui’s Hideaway, Cronies, Golden Room, Hale Inu, Hilo Burger Joint, Hilo Town Tavern, Karma, Kim’s Karaoke, Koreana II, Margarita Village, Morning Dew, Palms by the Bay, Restaurant Encore and Stephanie’s.

Participating drinking establishments on the west side are:

Huggo’s, Humpy’s, KBXtreme, Kokonutz, Kona Town Tavern, Lulu’s, My Bar, Oceans Sports Bar & Grill, Okolemaluna, Other Side – Rockstarz, Remixx, Rose’s, Sam Choy’s, Splasher’s, Sunflower, Teru’s II and The Mask.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season.