Habitual DUI offender charged

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A 55-year-old Hilo man has been charged with habitual DUI and numerous other charges after he allegedly struck a parked car with a vehicle in downtown Hilo on Jan. 8.

A 55-year-old Hilo man has been charged with habitual DUI and numerous other charges after he allegedly struck a parked car with a vehicle in downtown Hilo on Jan. 8.

In addition to the habitual DUI charge, the five-count felony information complaint filed by Prosecutor Mitch Roth charges Samuel Valentine Hoopai with refusing a sobriety test, consuming or possessing liquor while operating a motor vehicle, inattention to driving and driving after his license has been suspended or revoked for DUI.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and bail was set at $14,000, according to court records.

A police spokeswoman said that Hoopai was arrested at 11:15 p.m. on Jan. 8 after allegedly striking the unoccupied car. No one was injured.

Habitual DUI is a Class C felony carrying a possible five-year prison sentence.