Police arrested a 74-year-old Kapaa man on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant after he crashed a school bus carrying four students.
Police released Lawrence Koth after he posted $250 bail. The crash was not alcohol-related, according to Kauai County spokeswoman Sarah Blane.
At about 7:20 a.m. Thursday, police dispatch received calls about a bus en route to Kapaa Middle School that appeared to be swerving. Officers found the bus and ordered the driver to stop on Olohena Road near the Puuopae Road junction.
When the driver tried to pull over, the bus sideswiped a boat on a trailer, according to a news release from the Police Department.
Four students — a sixth-grader, two seventh-graders and an eighth-grader — were on the bus when the crash occurred. No injuries were reported.
The bus was on the fourth stop of its 11-stop route when the driver was pulled over. Another driver in a separate school bus picked up the four students and the rest of the Kapaa Middle students on the route, according to Donalyn Dela Cruz, spokeswoman for the Department of Education.
Blane said the 74-year-old man failed a standard sobriety test. Police then conducted a Breathalyzer test, which he passed. Officers ordered another test for illegal and prescription drugs.
Police are awaiting test results as they continue their investigation into the crash.
Dela Cruz said the bus driver has been removed from his position indefinitely. A comprehensive investigation as well as additional screenings will take place should the driver be reinstated.
Parents were notified of the crash.
DOE has a contract with Akita Enterprises Ltd. on Kauai for student transportation. Bus drivers with the company undergo a complete background check.
It was unknown how long the 74-year-old man had been employed with Akita. Company officials could not be reached for comment.
