Canadian official arrested on Maui for driving drunk

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — The premier of the Canadian province of British Columbia was arrested for drunken driving in Napili early yesterday morning.

Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia, was released yesterday after posting $257 bail.

Campbell was arrested and taken to the Wailuku Police Station, posted $257 bail, and was released at 9:40 a.m., Hudson said.

Campbell's office in Canada issued an apology yesterday afternoon, calling the arrest "a serious mistake." He explained that he was returning home from dinner with friends when he was pulled over. He also said he doesn't intend to contest the charge.

His initial court appearance is scheduled on Maui for March 25, police said.

Campbell is said to own a condominium in West Maui and spends several weeks here each winter with family and friends.

Former Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana had lunch with Campbell in May during a trip to British Columbia.

"He was very astute — a nice guy, a regular guy,'' said Apana, who was in the Vancouver area learning about entertainment technology companies. He said he chatted with Campbell about establishing an economic relationship between the two regions.

Apana said Campbell told him he has a home on Maui and that he wished he could spend more time there.

Campbell's Liberal Party took over leadership of the provincial government from the leftist New Democratic Party in an election in May.

News of Campbell's arrest spread rapidly across Canada yesterday, with some politicians demanding that the premier step down.

The Vancouver Sun reported that New Democratic Party leader Joy MacPhail issued a statement, saying she finds the situation "deeply troubling'' and Bill Tielman, a former New Democratic Party official, said Campbell previously declared that a Cabinet minister should step aside when under investigation.

In his apology, Campbell said he would speak with the media when he returns to Vancouver tomorrow.