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The Honolulu Police Department lieutenant, who was arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant in March, will go on trial Jan. 13.
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. Wong was arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant and refusing to submit to a Breathalyzer and blood-alcohol test.
After several delays, Wong’s case was supposed to be tried in September.
However, a District Court judge dismissed the case without prejudice because the arresting police officer, David Yomes, was unavailable to testify due to a pre-planned vacation. Also, the 180-day time limit for a speedy trial was going to lapse. Under state law, a trial has to be held within six months from the time of an arrest or indictment.
City prosecutors quickly refiled the charges and Wong entered a plea of not guilty at his new arraignment Friday.
Both offenses are petty misdemeanors. Wong, who is a member of HPD’s SWAT team, faces a year-long revocation of his driver’s license, up to 30 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Wong remains on restricted duty.
