In conjunction with three other county police departments, Kaua‘i police will continue DUI checkpoints this weekend through Labor Day as part of a nationwide “Drunk Driving, Over The Limit, Under Arrest,” campaign. In 2006, there were 161 traffic fatalities in
In conjunction with three other county police departments, Kaua‘i police will continue DUI checkpoints this weekend through Labor Day as part of a nationwide “Drunk Driving, Over The Limit, Under Arrest,” campaign.
In 2006, there were 161 traffic fatalities in Hawai‘i, 76 of which were alcohol-related, according to a prepared statement from the county. Seventy-seven of those accidents involved speeding.
“We are glad to be a part of this nationwide campaign and helping to keep a safe and healthy community during the holiday weekends,” Lt. Mark Scribner, of the Traffic Safety Unit, states in a press release. “If you are driving, remember to drive responsibly.
A new state law that took effect on July 1 imposes stricter penalties for highly intoxicated drivers whose measurable blood alcohol concentration level is 0.15 or higher.
While the legal limit for blood alcohol content in Hawai‘i is .08 percent, the latest law imposes harsher penalties on highly intoxicated drivers over .15 percent.
Under Act 198, highly intoxicated drivers caught with that blood alcohol level or higher can have their driver’s licenses revoked for six months to one year with no conditional permit. Their driver’s vehicle registration also will be revoked for six months to one year.
If convicted for operating a vehicle while highly intoxicated, the violator also receives a six-month driver’s license suspension, and must attend at least 14-hours of substance abuse rehabilitation. In addition, they must do one of the following:
• 72 hours of community service
• 48 hours to five days in jail
• $150 to $1,000 fine or a $25 neurotrauma special fund surcharge.
