Ask the Mayor: Should the Public Have Access to DUI Checkpoint Websites?

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

DUI checkpoint. Photo courtesy Big Island Now.

Aloha Mayor,

Q: I hear a lot of police officers complaining about the Police DUI checkpoint websites.

Personally I look at those to see where the latest checkpoints are around Maui. Isn’t it my right to read whatever I want and for people to write whatever they want on Facebook? I’m not driving around stinking drunk but if I have a few drinks I don’t want to go through all the grief of getting pulled over and all that.

A: You may need to rethink your strategy, as “a few drinks” might easily be enough to impair your driving, not to mention earn you a DUI charge.

The reason police take issue with any website or social media page that posts DUI checkpoints is that instead of promoting better choices – like not drinking and driving and getting sober rides home – these websites are enabling you and others to continue your dangerous and illegal actions.

Remember that the reasons there are fines, penalties and jail time for driving under the influence is because people have lost loved ones to drunk drivers, especially now, during the holidays.

You’re right, Freedom of Speech is alive and well in this country and that includes posting questionable things online, but you are ultimately responsible for your own actions. For your sake and for the safety of others this holiday season, please drive responsibly and find alternate transportation if needed.

If you drink, please don’t drive.