Anti-drinking bill goes after adults
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Legislators are considering a measure that they say would send a clear message to adults who allow people younger than 21 to drink alcohol in their homes.
Senate Bill 1234 SD 1 would give victims injured by an intoxicated minor the right to collect compensation from the adult who allowed the minor to drink alcohol or who sold, provided, or bought alcohol for the minor. The bill also would prohibit adults from providing alcohol to minors. Present law prohibits adults from buying alcohol for minors.
"It's really intended to control the home and family-type of situation," said Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee Chairwoman Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha). "It's not just social host liability ... associated with bars. When you listen to the testimony, especially of the students, they're more concerned about when it's being provided in a home situation."
Tiffany Wong, a 17-year-old Kea'au High School senior, told the committee how her brother, Aaron Kanoe Abadilla, died in a drunken-driving accident after leaving a graduation party. Wong said her brother and his friends were given alcohol at the party.
"Adults were present at this party, and I believe that by providing alcohol to my brother and friends, these adults contributed to the death of my brother," she said. "Throughout my childhood, my parents groomed me to lead a responsible life. Why didn't these adults act responsibly?"
Wong, who is also a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Youth In Action, said many high-school students drink alcohol regularly. Scott Hiza, also with MADD-Hawai'i Youth In Action, said surveys among young people show that the most common sources of alcohol are the person's home or from adults who purchase alcohol for them.
"Many parents and of-age adults create an environment where it is OK to consume alcohol even if you are under the legal age," Hiza said. "They fail to realize that this activity can lead to dangerous and irresponsible behavior and may even result in serious injury or death."
Hiza said an analysis of all 50 states shows a link between civil liability laws and reductions in drunken driving and heavy drinking among young people.
The Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee is expected to pass the bill tomorrow. Hanabusa said she is considering amending the bill to make adults liable when they should have known that people under 21 were drinking alcohol at their home.
In other matters yesterday:
- The Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 616, which would expand the hate crimes law to include transgenders.
- The Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 936, which would entitle victims of domestic violence, sex assault and stalking to unemployment benefits.
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.
