Big Island police have issued about 600 tickets in the annual "Click It or Ticket" seat-belt campaign. The program officially ended June 3, but Hawai'i County police plan to continue it informally until Thursday.

During the seat-belt campaign from May 15 to June 3, Big Island police issued 596 citations for front-seat occupants, as well as back-seat passengers under 18, who weren't buckled up.

They cited another 19 drivers for violating the child-restraint law. The combined total of 615 violations is more than four times more than the 146 citations issued during last year's campaign.

Sgt. Dexter Veriato, head of the Police Department's Traffic Services Section, attributed the large jump to more officers available to conduct traffic enforcement.

"We were more prepared to go out and enforce than last year," he said.

Police will continue roving patrols and seat-belt enforcement checkpoints until at least Thursday.