Posted at 4:40 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2007
City prosecutor calls for veto of bill
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle today backed Gov. Linda Lingle's veto threat of a bill that would allow people who have had their driver's licenses revoked for life for drunken or drugged driving to apply for new licenses after 10 years.People would have to have no arrests or convictions for driving without licenses during that time and show they are not dependent on alcohol or drugs.
State lawmakers said the bill recognizes redemption through sobriety.
Several churches supported the bill.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawaii did not take a position for or against the bill, according to Leah Marx, the group's executive director, but prefers that the state wait until there is technology that prevents drivers from starting vehicles while intoxicated.
Lingle has said that lifetime license revocations are meant to protect motorists and pedestrians from chronic drunken drivers.
The governor has until tomorrow to veto the bill or it will become law.
Lawmakers could choose to override a veto at a special session tomorrow.
People are subject to lifetime license revocations after being convicted of drunken or drugged driving four times in 10 years.
Carlisle, speaking at a news conference at his office this afternoon, said about 1,100 people have had their licenses revoked for life and could be eligible for new licenses under the bill.
"If you're talking about drinking and driving four times in 10 years, then there should be no redemption in my opinion," Carlisle said.
