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State tries to quash
ex-police officer’s
right-to-privacy suit

Clyde Arakawa says personal
data was revealed after his
license was revoked

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By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

State attorneys are seeking to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by retired police officer Clyde Arakawa against the head of the state Judiciary's Administrative Driver's License Revocation office.

U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra is expected to hear arguments today by Deputy Attorney General John Dellera and Arakawa's attorney, Michael Ostendorp.

Arakawa filed suit Nov. 22 against Ronald Sakata, chief adjudicator of the Administrative Driver's License Revocation office, for improperly releasing personal information such as his address, Social Security number and birth date.

Disclosure of the information violated Arakawa's right to privacy, the suit said.

Ostendorp said Arakawa had an "expectation of privacy," and Sakata could have edited the information before making the reports public.

The office independently reviews police reports on individuals whose licenses are revoked when they are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Arakawa was arrested Oct. 7 for suspicion of driving under the influence and first-degree negligent homicide in connection with the death of 19-year-old Dana Ambrose.

Both were on their way home that night when Arakawa's Thunderbird collided with Ambrose's Honda at the intersection of Pali Highway and School Street.

The office reviewed reports submitted by police about Arakawa's arrest and his refusal to submit to a Breathalyzer test. Arakawa's driver's license was revoked for a year, based on his refusal.

Sakata said at the time that Arakawa's case file could only be released to the public after a decision was issued.

The file of lawmaker Noboru Yonamine, who was arrested Feb. 8 for suspicion of driving under the influence, was edited to hide personal information.