Suspect in hit-and-run didn't have a license
By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer
A 20-year-old Waipi'o Acres man who police believe was driving the car that struck former Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura last week has been cited repeatedly for driving without a license, court records show.
Anthony G. Pearce II, was ticketed by police three times in the past 19 months for driving without a license; he was convicted of the offense twice and is awaiting a court appearance in the third case, records show. Police say he struck Nakamura as the former chief was riding his motorized wheelchair through a marked crosswalk in Mililani.
Nakamura
Pearce received the third ticket Sept. 24, just five days before the incident with Nakamura, which left the former police chief with two broken legs and other injuries.
Pearce could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Nakamura is recovering from surgery and was listed in serious condition yesterday at The Queen's Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.
In lieu of flowers and gift baskets, the family of former Police Chief Michael Nakamura has asked that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in his name. Donations may be sent to: MDA, 210 Ward Ave., Suite 222, Honolulu, HI 96814. Donations are tax-deductible. MDA asks that donor's mailing address be included to receive acknowledgment of the gift. For information, call MDA at 548-0588.
Sept. 24 also was the day that Pearce appeared in District Court in Honolulu on a previous driving-without-a-license ticket issued on Jan. 13. Pearce was ordered to pay a fine and court fees amounting to $177.
To give
In addition to a $75 fine, Pearce was ordered to pay $50 in court costs, $25 to the criminal injury compensation fund, $20 in administrative fees and $7 for a driver's education class.
The first of the citations was issued to Pearce on March 8, 2003. He appeared later in Wahiawa District Court and was ordered to pay fines and fees of $127.
Pearce is scheduled to appear in Wahiawa District Court on Oct. 26 to answer to the driving-without-a-license citation he was given Sept. 24.
After Nakamura was hit, Pearce was arrested for investigation of failure to render aid, driving without a license and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, but was released without charges.
Nakamura, 57, who uses a scooter-type wheelchair because of a degenerative nerve disease, had left the Mililani Town Center and was crossing Lanikuhana Avenue at Lanipa'a Street at about 4:30 p.m. Witnesses told police a car hit him as it pulled out of the shopping center onto Lanikuhana.
The driver left the scene, but later surrendered to security guards at the town center.
Police have said it may take months to bring criminal charges, if any, in the Nakamura case.
The former chief remains under observation at Queen's after surgery to repair multiple limb fractures and continues to recover from injuries sustained in the accident, according to a statement from hospital officials.
Nakamura's wife, Carol, said her family wants to thank the community for the outpouring of support and gifts.
"At this time, Michael needs your prayers and rest to continue his recovery," Nakamura said.
The family has requested no visitors for now.
Reach David Waite at 525-7412 or dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com.
