Daniel K. Inouye Highway traffic enforcement

News Release from Hawaii County PD, August 22, 2019

Police assigned to be in place for the TMT protestor blockade and encampment on Mauna Kea access road have stepped up traffic enforcement efforts on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200).  This in response to two traffic collisions that have occurred in the vicinity or related to the event, the enforcement effort is intended to ensure the safety of the motorist and protestors alike, with the current situation of pedestrians and vehicles congregating on the roadway shoulders of a 60 mph traffic zone.

The efforts of police during this project which began last Thursday (August 15) to date, has resulted in the issuance of 610 traffic citations and seven suspects arrested for 13 offenses. While conducting enforcement, two tow trucks (from different companies on separate dates) were observed without license plates attached and were stopped. Both trucks determined to have expired safety and weight tax. Subsequently, police had these illegal vehicles towed (by a legal tow truck) from the area.

The 610 citations were categorized as follows:

• Speeding (167)
• Seatbelt (41)
• Child Restraint (6)
• Cellular Phone/Electronic device (15)
• Tint (9)
• No Driver’s License (17)
• No Insurance (23)
• Unsafe vehicle (87)
• Other moving violation (43)
• No License plate (24)
• Regulatory (176)
• Parking (2)

The 13 arrested offenses were categorized as follows:

• Driving under the Influence of Intoxicants (3)
• Contempt warrants (3)
• Failure to Provide Identification (1)
• Resisting order to Stop motor vehicle (1)
• Excessive Speeding (1)
• Driving without an operator license (2)
• No Insurance (2)

Enhanced traffic enforcement efforts will continue on Daniel K. Inouye Highway by Hawaiʻi Police Department for the duration of the ongoing situation with the resulting impact of increased traffic and pedestrians.

HTH: Police say 610 citations issued, seven arrested in sweep on Saddle 

HNN: Hawaii County Police hand out 600+ citations at Mauna Kea as frustration mounts

Big Q: What do you think of police issuing traffic citations around the Mauna Kea protest area?