Maui Drivers Urged To Secure Loads Or Face Fine

By Wendy Osher

Photo courtesy Community Work Day Program.

Maui police joined members of the Community Work Day (CWD) program on Maui in urging truck drivers on Maui to secure their loads or face fines in the future.

Officers with the Maui Police Department and community relations personnel with the CWD joined in partnership to host an informational demonstration at two Maui landfills over the weekend.

Drivers were informed about the Uncovered Truck Law, got an explanation on the safety and environmental hazards created by uncovered loads, and were advised that future violations are subject to fines.  The demonstrations were held at the Hana and Central Maui landfills on Saturday, June 25, 2011.

State law (HRS 291C-131) requires that loads in truck beds to be covered.  If they aren’t drivers face a penalty of a $250 fine for the first violation; and a $500 fine, plus suspension of the vehicle registration and/or license of the driver for at least five working days, for a second violation.

During the demonstration at the Central Maui Landfill a total of 153 vehicles came through with loads that were properly covered and 137 vehicles were found to be in violation of the law with load not properly secured.

At the Hana Landfill a total of 22 vehicles had properly covered loads, while 15 vehicles had loads in violation. Because the CWD demonstration was an educational event, no one was cited at either location.

“Chances are even the most well-meaning people – ones that may never intentionally litter – are littering our environment by not complying with this law,” said Rhiannon Chandler, Executive Director of Community Work Day Program.

According to program officials, volunteers picked up more than 53,000 pounds of litter along highways and roadways in the last year.  Drivers are urged to “secure their load for safer roads” by using cargo nets, bungees, tarps, sheets or rope.