City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro accepted the resignation of Deputy Prosecutor Jon Riki Karamatsu on Tuesday, three days after he was arrested in Waikiki on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence and refusing to submit to a breath, blood or urine test.
Karamatsu, 40, a former state House member, was stopped on Ala Moana Boulevard near Hobron Lane at about 1:33 a.m. Saturday.
It is the second time Karamatsu has faced legal problems for allegedly driving under the influence.
He was arrested for drunken driving in 2007 after he lost control of his car on Moanalua Freeway and struck a concrete pillar at the Ahua Street overpass. A Breathalyzer measured his blood-alcohol content at 0.171, more than twice the legal limit. Then a state representative for Waipahu, Village Park and Waikele, Karamatsu pleaded no contest to the charge and was sentenced to 72 hours of court-ordered community service and a $750 fine. Karamatsu stepped down from his post as House vice speaker following the incident but won his re-election bid in 2008.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Karamatsu thanked Kaneshiro for allowing him the opportunity to serve as a prosecutor and said he did not want his pending drunken driving case to distract from the work of the office. Karamatsu approached the prosecutor shortly after his arrest Saturday and indicated his intention to resign, the prosecutor’s office said.
Karamatsu joined the prosecutor’s office in 2010 following a failed campaign for the office of lieutenant governor.
Karamatsu drew criticism last year for his role in promoting the Love Festival in collaboration with DJ G-Spot, whom Karamatsu identifies as a friend in his personal blog.
The event, held at Kakaako Park in September, was publicized as the largest electronic dance music event in the state by promoters. Critics, including former Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, characterized it as a rave, the likes of which frequently involve alcohol and drug use.
According to Hawaii News Now, Kaneshiro told Karamatsu to halt further participation in the event.
