Legislator accepts speeding penalties
Corinne Ching had been traveling 77 mph in a 35 mph zone
State Rep. Corinne Ching said she accepts responsibility for breaking the excessive-speeding law, a recently implemented statute that she voted for.
On Tuesday, Ching pleaded no contest in Honolulu District Court to excessive speeding. She had her driver's license suspended for 30 days.
"I voted for the new law," Ching said yesterday. "Instead of contesting it, I just accept responsibility for it."
On June 29, Ching was traveling on Likelike Highway from a family function in Punaluu to a legislative function in Chinatown. She admits driving 77 mph in a 35 mph zone when she was pulled over.
"I didn't realize I was traveling at that rate of speed," she said. "And I was."
The Republican lawmaker also was fined $500, and must attend a driver's education course and perform community service. The range of fines for first-time offenders is $500 to $1,000.
Excessive speeding is defined as going more than 30 mph over the posted limit, or 80 mph irrespective of the speed limit. The law was enacted in 2006 and went into effect last year.