COM 0356.002 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to pay for the towing and storage of their vehicle after violating the law will have their vehicle sold after 30 days of being given written notice by the tow company. The policy of the Police Department shall change regarding towing for driving under the influence of an intoxicant and for the other six violations of law. Registered owners of such vehicles operated by violators shall be charged for towing and storage. [ if the °chi lc is not • The possibility that committing these violations may deprive the violator's family of the use of the towed vehicle may cause the potential violator to use other transportation means instead of an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license, or driving under the influence of an intoxicant. This policy change will not cost the County any money since these vehicles will be impounded at private tow yards at the expense of the violators or registered owners who allow violators use their vehicles in an illegal manner. Furthermore, this ordinance may actually save the County untold expense. As we lower fatalities and crashes on our roadways, we also reduce the need for County employees on regular time and overtime to respond to these crashes. In crashes and crash fatalities, the County pays the first responders: Fire Fighters, EMS personnel, and Police Officers. The County pays the second responder which is the Department of Public Works - Traffic Division to clear the road. Thereafter, the County pays the Office of the Prosecutor to prosecute the case. Additionally, the County might be required to pay for medical expenses for the uninsured parties. These County expenses, potentially millions of dollars, will be reduced as the public becomes aware of our intolerance to driving under the influence or any of the other violations in this ordinance. Finally and most importantly, we will save lives by reducing driving under the influence of an intoxicant. The effective date is six months from the date the bill is passed to allow the Police Department to negotiate new towing and storage contracts or to negotiate addendums to the existing towing and storage contracts. This period of time may be used for public service announcements regarding this policy change in the County." 2. Section 24 -12, of Bill No. 98, is amended by adding a new subsection (e) as follows: "Section 24 -12. Duty of police to enforce traffic laws. (a) It shall be the duty of the officers of the police department and such officers as are assigned by the chief of police to enforce all street traffic laws of this County and all of the State vehicle laws applicable to street traffic in this County. (b) Any police officer citing or arresting any driver for the following traffic violations may have the motor vehicle towed to a private tow yard at the registered owner's expense pursuant to Hawai`i Revised Statutes ( "HRS ") 291C- 165.5(a): (1) Driving without a license pursuant to HRS 286 -102; (2) Driving while license is suspended or revoked pursuant to HRS 286 -132; (3) Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant pursuant to 291E - 61, (4) Habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant pursuant to HRS 291E -61.5; 2