HONOLULU (AP) — Drivers arrested on a repeat DUI offense would have to agree to stop drinking alcohol for at least 90 days and wear an ankle bracelet if they want to be released from jail on bail under a
HONOLULU (AP) — Drivers arrested on a repeat DUI offense would have to agree to stop drinking alcohol for at least 90 days and wear an ankle bracelet if they want to be released from jail on bail under a bill being considered in the state Legislature.
The bill also requires DUI offenders to pay $360 a month for the monitoring device, which checks the skin for alcohol excretions every 30 minutes.
The Honolulu prosecutor voiced support, while the state Office of the Public Defender argues it is unfair to low-income residents who potentially would face longer jail times than those who are well off.
The measure passed the full House and three Senate committees and is close to gaining final passage.
Another critic of the legislation is Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii, which also cited cost as an issue. If mandated, the alcohol-monitoring devices could replace ignition interlock devices, which require repeat offenders to do a blow test for their vehicle to start. The ignition interlock devices cost about $3 a day, compared to the $12 a day for ankle bracelets.
In 2015, drunken driving contributed to 51 traffic fatalities in Hawaii. Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s office said in testimony that the bill would save lives and “generally assist in making our community a safer place to live and work.”
