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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:57 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2008

MENOR
Menor makes first public statements since DUI arrest

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Sen. Ron Menor held a brief media availability today to discuss his drunken driving arrest.

JEFF WIDENER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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In his first public statement since his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving early Sunday morning, Sen. Ron Menor today said he "definitely" did not think he had a drinking problem and declined to speculate on his future in politics.

Menor gave a brief statement to the media during a lunch break during one of the most important voting days of the legislative session, which ends on Thursday.

"I would like to very briefly apologize to my family, my friends, the constituents I represent, whose interests have been very important to me throughout the years, and of course, also the community at large for my involvement in this incident.

"I especially regret the effect this incident has had on my family — my wife and children, who have always been my highest priority and my supporters," he said.

The senator said he'd been advised by his attorney, Howard Luke, not to give any additional comments on the incident while legal proceedings are still pending.

Menor was arrested after being stopped for driving too slowly on the H-1 freeway and refusing to take sobriety tests – aside from one breath analysis that is not admissible in court.

According to his statement and police reports, Menor went to a late-night dinner with his sons and had one or two drinks, following a Chicago concert.

Asked whether he thought he had a drinking problem, Menor said emphatically, "I definitely don't."

When asked whether he would run for re-election in the fall, Menor said, "My focus at this time is on my family and also continuing my work at the Legislature, continuing the remainder of my term. I haven't even begun thinking about that. I continue to find my legislative work to be very rewarding and I've always tried to represent my constituents to the best of my ability.

"Obviously, my involvement in this incident has disappointed them and I really feel badly about that."