DUI case for police lieutenant rescheduled
The case of a Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who was arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant in Waikiki in March has been rescheduled for Oct. 25 in District Court, the city prosecutors office said.
Lt. Colin Wong, a 27-year HPD veteran, was arrested on March 30 near the Modern Honolulu Hotel after he allegedly hit a parked car. He was reportedly off-duty at the time. Police arrested Wong for driving under the influence of an intoxicant and refusing to submit to a Breathalyzer and blood-alcohol test.
Both offenses are petty misdemeanors. He faces a yearlong revocation of his driver’s license, up to 30 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Wong remains on restricted duty, according to his attorney, R. Patrick McPherson.
The case was dismissed in September by District Judge David Lo without prejudice because the arresting police officer, David Yomes, was unavailable to testify due to a pre-planned vacation, said McPherson. Also, the 180-day time limit for a speedy trial was going to lapse. Under state law, the trial has to be held within six months from the time of an arrest or indictment, but city prosecutors quickly refiled the charges after the hearing.