OHA’s Waihee fined $1,000 for DUI
The son of a former isle governor enters a no-contest plea to drunken driving
Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee John Waihee IV pleaded no contest yesterday to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
According to the state, Waihee's blood alcohol content was 0.26 when he crashed his car into another vehicle on May 10 in Makiki. It is unlawful for a person to operate a vehicle with blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.
Honolulu District Judge William Cardwell ordered Waihee to perform 72 hours of community service and pay a $1,000 fine.
He also assessed Waihee $412 in court costs and fees and imposed the mandatory 90-day license suspension and participation in a 14-hour-minimum substance abuse rehabilitation program.
The mandatory license suspension period for a person convicted of driving with blood alcohol content higher than 0.15 increased to six months last July 1. And during the suspension, the law does not provide provisions for offenders to drive for limited work-related purposes or to attend substance abuse treatment.
Cardwell denied the state's request to sentence Waihee to the maximum five days in prison or order him to pay restitution.
Waihee, 37, is the son of former Gov. John Waihee.
Police arrested him after his car hit another vehicle broadside as the second car was backing out of a driveway. Police did not administer a breathalyzer test.
However, because Waihee went to the hospital for treatment for possible injuries, they ordered a sample of his blood drawn.
The lawyer who represents the other driver said he will file a lawsuit for injuries and damage if the two parties are not able to resolve the claims out of court.
Waihee resigned as OHA vice chairman last month but retains his at-large seat on the board of trustees.