Q: I’m inquiring about the insane noise levels that come from the Harley motorcycles. The stock bikes are OK, but the bikes with the after-market pipes are ridiculously loud — way louder than any illegal car stereo. I know that
Q: I’m inquiring about the insane noise levels that come from the Harley motorcycles. The stock bikes are OK, but the bikes with the after-market pipes are ridiculously loud — way louder than any illegal car stereo. I know that they try to say that it is for safety, so that people will see them. It’s not for safety, but it is to be seen in some kind of need for attention as they blast away from each stop light. If they want safety and visibility they should wear fluorescent yellow or green. It’s not fair to the rest of us for their idea of cool. If I drove my truck around with no muffler and just straight pipes, I would be pulled over right away. What’s up?
— Anonymous
A: I received many inquires very similar to yours, and have instructed our officers to taken enforcement action against violators. The Kaua‘i Chapter of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group is also aware of the complaints and has informed their members of the criticism KPD has received. It is my understanding the Harley-Davidson Group is making every effort to be compliant with the law; however, there are other motorcycle groups who do not have the same philosophy and do run straight pipes.
If these individuals are located, they shall be cited. Readers out there can assist KPD by reporting suspected violators, and we will follow up.
While I agree that the sound of a motorcycle can make drivers aware of their presence and the argument could possibly center on safety issues. However, statistics show that the vast majority of serious collisions and fatalities involving motorcycles are the result of excessive speed, alcohol, inexperience, visibility, and most important, not wearing a helmet.
As a matter of note, many of you know that I ride my bicycle on weekends traveling from one end of the island to the other, and on many of those occasions motorcyclists do pass me, and I have to agree that it is very loud to a point where it hurts my ears. I can only imagine the damage it is causing to the operator.
Also, I have no animosity against motorcyclists, it’s just that there are a few of them who are giving the law-abiding riders a bad reputation. It is my hope that these individual groups will police themselves and come into compliance without intervention by KPD.
Q: Isn’t it a conflict that the police forfeit property from citizens being that the forfeited property goes directly to the police? It seems to me that police can target anyone to try to get their property even if it means making false charges.
— Anonymous
A: The main goal of the forfeiture statutes is to take away the illegal proceeds or instruments of a crime from the perpetrator and put them to legitimate use. For example, in drug operations the taxpayer has to foot the bill for hundreds and sometimes thousands of hours of work. If the case falls within a category of “covered offenses” under Hawaii Revised Statutes 712A, then the proceeds can be used to defer some of the costs incurred by the county.
Further, statutes mandates that proceeds be divided as follows: state 50 percent, police department 25 percent, and prosecutor’s office 25 percent.
So as you can see, it makes no sense, as you seem to imply, that we are targeting individuals to “get their property.” Moreover, police officers would be foolish to put their careers, reputation, and their family’s future in jeopardy. Also, any proceeds derived through the forfeiture process are used for training purposes and purchase of equipment so that we can better service our community.
Q: I read the article about the prosecutor’s office in The Garden Island over the weekend where they said, “Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, apparently choosing his words carefully because of the need to retain an amicable working relationship and partnership with prosecutors…” So what the scoops? I know get plenty pilikia going on but nobody get the guts to say anything.
— Anonymous
A: I can’t comment anymore than what was already stated in The Garden Island. We are trying to work through this transition and as I said, I am concerned because a wealth of experienced and very capable attorneys walked out the door for one reason or another. Perhaps you should ask them if there was “plenty pilikia.”
However, I am confident that the prosecutor will work this out for the betterment of the community. Transitions and changes in leadership are always a difficult time in organizations because of conflicting expectations and philosophical differences.
• Darryl Perry is the chief of police at the Kaua‘i Police Department. Send your comments or questions to dperry@kauai.gov.
