HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0637.002 2008-2010
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NO DEC I PM
TESTIMONY in support of Bill No. 180~
Relating to Amending Chapter 14 of the Hawaii Co~441 Cede 1--`
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Hawaii County supports the intent of
Bill No. 149 relating to consumption of intoxicating liquors at La'aloa Bay Beach Park.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney respectfully requests that this bill be
amended to prevent liquor consumption at all county parks, absent a permit to drink
alcoholic heverages.
In the last couple of yeas our office has received several complaints from
comrl "l_mity members about people drinking alcohol in county parks and causing
prohle;ns. These problems include: fights, harassment, disorderly conduct, vulgar and
abu. iIv e language, excessive noise, obscene gestures, littering vandalism, and driving
under 11110 influence of alcohol.
J~~ring the same period of time, our office has received significantly fewer
complaints about similar problems at our State parks. One of the reasons for this may be
that the State has already made the requested changes and has made it against the law to
use or possess alcohol in any state park without a permit.
While all of the above problems are of a concern to the County, driving under the
influence is :,f particular concern to our office. According to the State Department of
Transportation, there were 125 fatal crashes and 138 total fatalities in 2007 on the
roadv,~-ays in the State of Hawaii. Of the 138 crashes, 60 involved alcohol, accounting for
50 percent of the fatalities. Statewide, there were 8,740 traffic crashes. According to
Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), nationally motor vehicle crashes are the leading
cause of death for those who are 4 through 34 years old.
Carr re. "Zo. 3~ •
Ref. To: QSP-.
aef. Dote DEC 15 2009
Most people who drink at County parks end up driving afterwards. Unlike a
license liquor establishment, there is nobody to prevent an intoxicated person from being
served another beer. When these people get into their vehicles, they endanger not only
themselves, but everyone else on the roads at that time. Many still remember one of the
worst motor vehicle crashes on this island which took the life of 4 teens who left
Kolekole Beach Park in 1996.
Alcohol-related problems severely impact the quality of life for many legitimate
park lasers and have caused many to feel unsafe while at our County parks. Our parks
shmild be for recreation and not imbibing. For. this reason, we support the intent of this
bill and as 1< that it be amended to cover this park.
Thank you for the opportunity to give testimony in support of this bill.
Respectfully submitted,
rv-
JAY T. KIMURA
Prosecuting Attorney