Maui councilman apologizes for drunken driving

LIHUE » Maui County Council member Dain Kane pleaded no contest to drunken-driving charges on Kauai last week.

Kane, 43, apologized for his actions to Lihue Judge Trudy Senda and said he is seeking alcohol treatment, according to Marc Guyot, Kauai County prosecutor.

"He explained to the judge it was a life-changing event," Guyot said.

Usually, Guyot continued, those charged with drunken driving wait for the judge to impose treatment. Kane instead went out and sought treatment before last week's sentencing.

Kane, a former Maui County Council chairman who has been mentioned as a possible mayoral candidate, was stopped for speeding in Koloa at just after midnight Nov. 22.

The Kauai native told police at the time of the incident that he was visiting friends on Kauai's South Shore, police said.

Kane was ordered to pay a $350 fine and $300 in court costs and fees, Guyot said.

The Council member did not return calls for comment yesterday.