Police: 431 cited, 5 arrested amid stepped-up traffic enforcement on Maunakea

KAILUA-KONA — Stepped-up traffic enforcement efforts since mid-August on Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Maunakea Access Road have resulted in the issuance of 2,237 citations and arrest of 24 persons amid the Thirty Meter Telescope protest.

In the past week alone, Hawaii Police Department officers issued some 431 traffic citations and arrested five suspects for five offenses. The 431 citations were categorized as follows:

• Speeding (207)

• Excessive speeding (7)

• Seat belt (18)

• Child restraint (4)

• Cellular phone/Electronic device (3)

• Tint (10)

• No driver’s license (14)

• No insurance (18)

• Unsafe vehicle (20)

• Other moving violation (9)

• No license plate (16)

• Regulatory (103)

• Parking (2)

The five arrested offenses were categorized as follows:

• Driving under the influence of intoxicants (1)

• Contempt/failure to appear warrants (3)

• Revocation of release warrant (1)

The combined total of the month-long Daniel K. Inouye Highway enhanced traffic enforcement efforts by the Hawaii Police Department stands at 2,237 citations issued and 24 persons arrested for 39 offenses, according to a department press release issued Thursday.

Police said the effort will continue for the duration of the ongoing protest situation to promote the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.