Maui official quits,
fights DUI charge
WAILUKU >> Maui County Managing Director Jack Kulp made the wrong political turn when he decided to fight a drunken-driving charge, according to political observers.
Kulp, 51, a political ally of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, resigned effective next Thursday, following his decision to challenge his arrest for drunken driving.
"I was kind of surprised when he said he was going to contest it," said Councilwoman Charmaine Tavares yesterday. "We're all held to a higher standard."
Tavares said the drunken-driving charge alone might not have necessarily sunk Kulp politically.
Councilman Wayne Nishiki has had two drunken-driving convictions, paid the penalty for it and "it kind of went away," Tavares said.
But Kulp, who was stopped while driving a car, decided to fight the constitutionality of the drunken-driving charge based on the alleged failure of police to include mopeds and bicycles in DUI traffic stops.
Arakawa said Kulp had a right to defend himself in court, but the issue was becoming increasingly disruptive in the community and had started to cast doubt on county management.
"As the mayor of Maui County, I have to look at the impact it has on the integrity of the office," said Arakawa.
Kulp offered his resignation Friday and it was accepted, Arakawa said.
Kulp had apologized for his behavior and offered his resignation shortly after his arrest on Dec. 16, but Arakawa refused to accept it.
A police officer said Kulp had "signs of impairment" when he was arrested in December. He was driving on Wahine Pio Drive near the entrance to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center when he was stopped at a DUI checkpoint at 11:41 p.m. Dec. 16, police said.
Court records showed Kulp's blood-alcohol level as 0.114, over the legal limit of 0.08.
Kulp also has a prior drunken-driving conviction in Nevada on Jan. 24, 2002.
Kulp could face a mandatory penalty of at least five days in jail if convicted. He is scheduled for an Aug. 27 hearing in Maui District Court on the constitutionality of the charge.
Deputy Managing Director Ken Taira will take over Kulp's position following next Thursday, until a replacement is selected.
County of Maui
www.co.maui.hi.us