WAILUKU (AP) — A Hawaii lawmaker charged with not having vehicle insurance says he was mistaken when he told the media last year he was ticketed while fixing his “undriveable” car outside his home.
Police said Rep. Kaniela Ing was driving his car when he was cited in January 2016 for failing to provide proof of insurance, The Maui News reported Thursday.
Ing, 28, released a statement saying his comments to the newspaper in July were wrong. At the time, Ing had been seeking re-election to the state House seat representing south Maui.
“As for my statements to the media over the summer, I stand corrected,” Ing said. “Once I saw the reports from this particular case it became clear to me that I was mistaken.”
Ing’s statement came Wednesday after he pleaded no contest to not having vehicle insurance. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of failure to appear.
The lawmaker had missed a February court date related to the traffic citation and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He turned himself in on July 26 and posted $250 bail to be released.
Ing presented proof of insurance for the 2000 BMW during this week’s hearing.
“This plea deal has satisfied the State of Hawaii and has allowed me to get my personal matters out of the limelight so that I can move forward with the people’s business in the House,” Ing said in a statement.