HONOLULU -- Oahu has surpassed last year's total for traffic fatalities and with the holiday season about to get under way the Honolulu Police Department is warning motorists they will be looking for drivers who drink and drive.

This weekend's fatal crash in Laie that killed former Kahuku High School football star Waika Carvalho brought the traffic fatality count up to 47 so far this year. There were 41 fatalities in all of 2008.

The driver of the vehicle likely had been drinking and speeding, investigators said.

"The loss of one life is a big impact and we try each year to remind the public that everybody needs to slow down, they need to be cognizant of their driving habits. The biggest thing is drive responsibly," Maj. Clayton Kau said.

DUI checkpoints have been up every weekend since the beginning of the month.

As of Nov. 1, 179 people have been arrested for driving under the influence, HPD said.