‘Right to travel’ protest lands drivers in jail

Hawaii County police arrested and cited two men who drove into downtown Hilo with cardboard license plates Saturday to proclaim what they said was their constitutional “right to travel” with no driver’s license, registration, license plates, safety stickers and motor vehicle insurance.

Police said three vehicles left the King Kamehameha statue Saturday morning with cardboard-type plates reading “Not for Hire,” in what organizers said was a “Freedom Rally.” Police also seized and towed their vehicles.

Patrol officers stopped the three vehicles on Punahoa Street for obstruction of license plates.

Authorities charged Rodney E. Piedvache, 72, of Naalehu with refusing to show identification, driving while license suspended/revoked and driving without motor vehicle insurance. He was released after $1,025 bail was posted. He also received traffic citations for various infractions.

A second man remained at the Hilo police cellblock with no bail because he continued to refuse to identify himself. He was arrested and charged with refusing to show identification, driving without an operator’s license and driving without motor vehicle insurance. He also received traffic citations.

A third driver was cited for obstruction of license plates and allowed to leave after removing the paper plates and providing his driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance.

A fourth man, 39-year-old Joseph B. Pierce, who has no permanent address, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for yelling in the street while officers were conducting the traffic stops, police said.

———

Star-Advertiser staff