GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM Kent Izuka, owner of Security and Sound Systems in Moiliili, held up one of the popular blue LEDs (light-emitting diodes) used in car alarm systems. This model mounts on a rearview mirror as a visual deterrent to car thieves.

HPD not stopping
blue-light specials

The colorful alarms continue
to sell despite traffic citations

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By Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.com

Despite warnings and citations from the Honolulu Police Department, car owners are still buying blue-light car alarm attachments on a daily basis.

Depending on what kind of lights are purchased, the blinking blue displays can usually be seen either behind a vehicle's rearview mirror or on the dashboard.

"We warn them that they could get a ticket," said Security and Sound Shop owner Kent Izuka, "but people buy them anyway."

"We're selling one or two a day, almost every day. There's other colors, but everybody seems to want blue LEDs (light-emitting diodes)."

Izuka said that for a while he was selling the attachments to many Honolulu police officers, who were installing the lights in their personal and subsidized vehicles.

Those sales stopped after HPD issued an internal memo warning officers that they were not to install blue-light alarm attachments because they violated state law.

Then, on Jan. 11, HPD sent out letters signed by Chief Lee Donohue to car alarm shops asking store officials to let their customers know they are breaking the law if they install the blue strobe lights or LEDs.

The letter, which included a copy of the state law that prohibits people from operating motor vehicles that display or possess blue lights or reflectors, states: "The law was passed to prevent people from impersonating police officers and harassing or stopping other motorists. ... Our officers will take enforcement action when violations are observed." Violations of the blue-light prohibition are punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or one year in prison, or both.

While some alarm shops have stopped selling the blue-light alarm attachments, others, like the Security and Sound Shop, let their customers make their own decisions.

"It's not like I'm going around pulling anyone over or anything," said Security and Sound Systems customer Chad Makaiwa.

Makaiwa said he bought a blue-light display for his alarm last year because the color matches his blue truck. But it was not until earlier this month that Makaiwa said he got a ticket while his truck was parked on his parents' driveway in Kapolei.

"All it said was 'blue light' under violation, and gave a court date," Makaiwa said. "I'm going to contest it. I was on private property, and it wasn't like I was driving around with the light on."

Though HPD's letter states that police officers "often see these illuminated blue lights when cars are moving,"

Izuka doubts that very much. Izuka says he and other alarm shops install the light in such a way that it does not go on unless the car engine is off and the alarm set.

Traffic Division Maj. Robert Prasser says it does not matter.

"They have to get them changed," said Prasser. "They could be used to pull people over."