Maui Police Distracted Driving Campaign Nets 438 Citations, 52 Warnings, 2 Arrests

Maui Now graphic.

Maui police issued 438 citations, 52 warning citations, and made two arrests during a week-long distracted driving awareness enforcement event that concluded on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.

The increased enforcement was part of the national U Text U Pay campaign to discourage distracted driving, hosted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The results of this campaign between Oct. 5 and 12, are as follows:

• Mobile Electronic Device Prohibited 197
• Seatbelt 169
• Child Restraints 2
• Moving 35
• Others 35
• Warning Citations 52
• Arrests 2

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 Maui police made one arrest for a male who had an outstanding warrant for contempt of court.

The second incident also occurred on Oct. 7 for a female who was observed driving in Wailuku with her two-year-old child on her lap. According to police, when officers attempted to stop the driver, she fled from police driving away with the child still on her lap. Police did not pursue this offender but made an arrest the following morning at her residence.

On Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 police say Amanda Bennett, 29, was placed under arrest for allegations including: first degree resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle; reckless driving; driving without a valid license; and second degree endangering the welfare of a minor.  Bail was set at $1,600.

“The Maui Police Department Traffic Division will continue to show a strong presence on our roadways to enforce all traffic violations. The ultimate goal is to make sure those who utilize our roadways are safe. We humbly ask the public to always drive safely and help us to prevent avoidable crashes that cause injuries and death,” said William Hankins, Commander, Maui Police Department, Traffic Division.