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HPD officer’s DUI trial pushed back to January

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.

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