Updated at 4:46 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Rep. Karamatsu arrested in drunken driving incident
Advertiser Staff
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Karamatsu, 32, was reportedly traveling west-bound on the Moanalua Freeway when he lost control of his car and struck a concrete pillar at the Ahua Street overpass.
Karamatsu failed a field sobriety test and was taken to the Kalihi Police sub-station where a breathalyzer measured his blood-alcohol content at 0.171 — more than twice Hawai'i's .08 point threshold at which a person is deemed to be under the influence, police said.
Bail for Karamatsu — a Democrat who represents the 41st House District, which includes Waipahu, Village Park and Waikele — was set at $500.
In a statement released this morning, Karamatsu said he was arrested for driving under the influence after "socializing with friends."
"I made a serious error in judgement," Karamatsu said in the statement. "I want to apologize to my family, my colleagues and constituents for any trouble or embarrassment caused by this incident. I will cooperate fully with the court on this issue. I do understand that elected officials should be held to a higher standard, and I will work very hard to regain the public's trust."
