Arakawa seeks lower bail in manslaughter case

By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former police officer Clyde Arakawa, who faces a manslaughter charge in connection with the traffic death of a 19-year-old woman last fall, is asking to have his $100,000 bail cut in half and that he be allowed to live in Oregon until his trial begins.

Arakawa, 49, was indicted earlier this month by an O'ahu grand jury on the manslaughter charge that accuses him of recklessly causing the death of Dana Ambrose, who died of injuries received when her car collided with Arakawa's Oct. 7 at School Street and Pali Highway.

Police reports contend that there was a strong smell of alcohol around Arakawa at the accident scene and while he was booked at police headquarters. Witnesses said Arakawa ran a red light before his car struck Ambrose's.

But Arakawa maintains that his driving was not impaired by alcohol, that the light was green when he entered the intersection and that Ambrose ran a red light.

Police were roundly criticized for their handling of events after the accident. Police Chief Lee Donohue acknowledged that Arakawa received certain "courtesies" from fellow police officers at the accident site. Arakawa retired since the fatal accident and moved to Oregon.

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Richard Perkins granted Arakawa's request for seven days of supervised release to try to arrange bail.

Arakawa's request for bail reduction, submitted to the court by his attorney Michael Ostendorp, will be heard Tuesday by Circuit Judge Karen Ahn.

A written statement filed in court by Ostendorp lists reasons why bail should be reduced. Ostendorp said Arakawa has cooperated with the Honolulu Police Department's investigation, has returned to Hawai'i voluntarily to face the charge, is a retired police officer and has family ties here.

"He is neither a flight risk nor does he pose a risk to any person or property," Ostendorp wrote.

Arakawa is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge Monday. His trial date will be set at that hearing.