LIHU‘E — Identifying and arresting impaired drivers may be just part of a good day’s work for Kaua‘i Police Department officers, but to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving representatives, those officers are saving lives. “Motorists are saved from a potentially dangerous
LIHU‘E — Identifying and arresting impaired drivers may be just part of a good day’s work for Kaua‘i Police Department officers, but to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving representatives, those officers are saving lives.
“Motorists are saved from a potentially dangerous and tragic situation every time a drunk driver is taken off the road,” KPD Capt. Michael Contrades said. “Unfortunately, many traffic fatalities on our roadways are alcohol related. This is why prevention education and enforcement are so important. It is nice to be able to recognize those that are helping to keep our roads safe, and we are grateful to MADD, Servo and our community leaders for doing so.”
For their efforts in 2010 to keep Kaua‘i’s roads safe, more than a dozen police officers and others in the law enforcement community were honored at the first ever MADD law enforcement awards ceremony on island at Restaurant 2978 in Lihu‘e.
Awards went to patrol officers who made the highest number of arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants in 2010. They included Lihu‘e Station officers Scott Williamson and Shawn Hanna, who each made 27 arrests; Officer Roland Peahu of the Hanalei Station with 17 arrests; and Officer Colin Nesbitt of the Waimea Station, who made nine.
KPD’s Traffic Safety Unit also was honored for work including conducting sobriety checkpoints, maintaining and testing the department’s Intoxilyzers and various prevention efforts.
“The officers of this unit have worked tirelessly to improve traffic safety on our roadways and reduce or eliminate drunk driving throughout Kaua‘i,” master of ceremonies Ron Wiley said.
Other awards and recognition were given to the Youth Services Section for tackling underage drinking projects, to Liquor Department representatives Cecilio Baliaris and Larry Moises for enforcing underage drinking laws at various establishments, and to Deputy County Attorney Justin Kollar. Wiley said Kollar updated the police department’s OVUII policies in an effort to improve arrests and convictions of drunk drivers. Kollar also is a committee member with the statewide Interlock Task Force.
“He has shown a true passion and commitment to eliminating drunk driving on Kaua‘i,” Wiley said.
Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki also was honored for securing $1.5 million in funding for underage-drinking programs on Kaua‘i.
“This person is a pro when it comes to thinking outside the box, finding creative ways to involve the community in a fight against underage drinking,” Wiley said. “She has been involving the community — especially the youth — in changing social norms related to alcohol and minors.”
MADD executive director Jennifer Dotson said the organization doesn’t have an office on island, but believes that it will change soon to help victims and continue to combat drunken driving.
“We are almost there,” she said.
Dotson thanked officers, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and others for their efforts.
“All of the work you do every day means so much to us,” she said. “Every day, we’re stopping one more (driver) from taking a sip of alcohol.”
The event was made possible with the help of Kaua‘i Toyota.
