HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0467.005 1998-2000
.f-1"c' S~ 12:45 FF'Oh1:HFU PRHi_ir-i __~,~THTILP^! °~~~-'~t~5--'~1~1~5 T0:1 Sl~~ 9E 11=672 PG(aE:Ell
'99 OCT 12 pj~
TO AL SMITH, COUNTY COUNCILMAN, LOWER P(1NA 3 ys
cc-;~~ ~ -
FROM THOMAS L. LETULLE, POLICE OF~;~~ p b~STRICT
SUBJECT RESOLUTION # 15G 99
It has cort,e to my attention through your fax transmittal that the
County Couneil plans to address the problem pf illegal street
racing here on the Sig Island.
In my experience as a police officer I have observed that on the
nights of sanctioned racing at the Hilo Drag Strip that the police
respond tc fewer calls of reckless drivers and young people
congragating on private property illegally. On the day following
such santioned events the police do not respond to as many reports
of Criminal Property Damage and other complaints which may have
occured or the night prior to said events being reported.
Illegal at.reet racing is a problem here on the Big Island and in
my opinior is very dangerous. I personally have responded to
reports oi' people gathering and racing illegally and have observed
the unsafe: conditions which these "OUTLAW" street races are
conducted under. i have observed scenes of illegal street racing
where the spectators are drinking and are standing next to the
roadway wkiere the cars are passing at a high rate of speed. These
spectatore~ axe exposed to the danger of the car losing control,
running p~f the roadway and striking the spectators. These
illegal sl:reet races also place the unsuspecting motorist driving
through ttie area at risk of being involved in a collision with
these racers who are often driving in a reckless manner and at a
higii rate of speed.
The vehic.Les which are often raped at these "OUTLAW" races are
not required to undergo any type o£ safety inspection prior to
racing. ,fit a sanctioned event a pertified mechanic is at the
track and rapers are required to have their car inspected for the
proper safety equipment prior to being allowed to race.
Sanctioned racing offers positive role models to young adults and
taenagars by exposing them to organized racing an$ experienced
racers who encourage people new to the sport to drive responsibly
on the street and to race only at the track.
Thomas L, LET LLE
Police Of''-iper A~.
Puna Dist~~ict Comm. Na ~ , Q~
Idle Na
Ref. TotPreseef~ couNC«
Ref. Date ~ 1 4 19~