DUI news:

Collaborators in a state transportation safety plan recommended yesterday the use of car ignition interlock devices to prevent convicted drunken drivers from hitting the road.

Hawaii is one of four states that does not have ignition interlock provisions, said Mitch Roth, co-chairman of the governor's Highway Safety Council.

Officials plan to introduce a bill at the Legislature next year to allow ignition interlocks -- breath-testing devices that prevent a vehicle from starting unless the driver's alcohol level is below a preset blood concentration.

A Senate measure this year that would allow interlock devices was deferred to the 2008 session, while the House passed a resolution calling for further Transportation Department study.

Other strategies to deter drunken driving include urging police departments to adopt a mandatory blood-draw policy for serious vehicle crashes and continue high-visibility sobriety checkpoints.

These are part of a five-year strategic plan to help reduce the high number of traffic-related deaths in the state.