The Department of Education has launched its own investigation into the arrests of two Mililani Middle School teachers yesterday on suspicion that they smoked marijuana off campus before school began.

Police identified the pair as Lisa Kay Luhrsen, 36, of Waipahu, and Benjamin Albert Ayson, 32, of Kane'ohe.

Both teachers have been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to DOE spokeswoman Sandy Goya.

"They were arrested and posted bail," Goya said.

The offense is a petty misdemeanor.

Police alleged the two were smoking marijuana in Ayson's truck at the Mililani Park and Ride around 8:45 a.m. yesterday. A parent reported the activity to the school, and the principal and three vice principals met the pair when they entered the campus, police said. After searching the truck, school officials called police, and the two were arrested around noon.

Both posted bail at the Wahiawa police station. Court dates have been set for Dec. 26.

It was not known what subjects the two teach, but Luhrsen in 2004 was one of three coaches of the school's chess club.

This is the second case involving teachers and alleged drug offenses in recent months.

In October, Leilehua High School teacher Lee N. Anzai was charged with selling crystal methamphetamine to an undercover agent on five occasions beginning Sept. 8.

In that case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang ordered Anzai held without bail at the Federal Detention Center until his trial, which will be set at a later date.

In this most recent case, the DOE's Goya said she could not make comment further because it is a personnel matter. Personnel matters generally are protected by privacy laws.

School officials could not be reached for comment late yesterday.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com.