Big Island police made 85 arrests for truancy in Puna over the past school year in a crackdown prompted by concerns from the community and school officials.

Officers targeted areas such as Shipman Park, agricultural fields by Kea'au High School and other youth hangouts and made 33 arrests in May alone. Some of that total was accounted for by three youths who were arrested three times each.

The arrested youths were turned over to their parents or guardians, to the school or to Child Protective Services, and truancy cases are referred to Family Court. Police plan to continue the enforcement effort when the new school year begins.