Posted on: Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Police officer undeterred by car-display arsonists

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu Police Officer Eli Walters has a message to get across to holiday drivers, and he's not going to let the repeated interference of arsonists and thieves stop him.

"Drive To Stay Alive " — the message aimed at curbing drunken driving, speeding and driving without seat belts — was bannered on a wrecked car on display at the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Meheula Parkway in Mililani.

At 1:20 a.m. yesterday, someone poured a flammable liquid onto the display and torched it, and stole the banner, too.

It was the second time Walters' display was struck. An arsonist set fire June 15 to a similar display on Kaukonahua Road, one that Walters had erected near the site of the April 10 traffic death of two teenagers — an accident caused by the recklessness of a caravan of 11 drivers.

That time, the fire caused $9,000 in damage to the loaned Army trailer holding the wrecked car.

So when Walters was called by City Councilwoman Rene Mansho to put up the display again, he hesitated. Mansho wanted the display, he said, to coincide with an islandwide safe-driving sign-waving campaign sponsored by the Lions Club tomorrow.

The Army insisted on a $100,000 surety bond before lending another trailer, so Walters turned instead to private sources. Akana Truck loaned the trailer used in Mililani. Pineridge Farms brought in another for a second Kaukonahua Road display.

A patrol officer spotted the fire just after it was lit and alerted firefighters immediately, Walters said, which is why damage was limited to about $500.

Walters witnessed the wreckage of the April car accident.

"It was metal versus human being," he said.

As a result, he said he's passionate about the educational mission of the display.

"This is serious to us," he said. "And this is senseless and stupid."

Walters had wanted to keep up the display through the holidays but now may remove it after the sign waving.

"I can't take the chance," he said. "And I don't have any more money for banners ... I've got to get some guidance from above."

Police are considering placing the wrecked car on a large frame or table to avoid inviting damage to another trailer, Walters said.

Anyone with donations or ideas can leave a message for Walters at the Wahiawa district station: 621-8442.