Dozens more arrested during Hawaii wind farm protests
HONOLULU — Police have made more arrests during protests against a wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at a west Oahu storage yard late Thursday in an attempt to block an equipment convoy. Despite the protests, the convoy was able to reach the Kahuku construction site.
Honolulu police say 26 people were arrested overnight. Most of them were arrested for disobeying a police officer.
Some protesters say police were aggressive. Police say videos on social media show protesters ignoring police instructions to move back. Police ask anyone with evidence of misconduct to file a report.
Police have made more than 160 arrests of wind farm protesters since October.
Wind farm opponents say the eight turbines will be too tall. They cite health and noise concerns, among other issues.
Hawaii council member charged with hitting officer with car
LIHUE, Kauai — A Kauai County Council member was charged with striking a police officer with his car while fleeing a traffic stop.
Arthur Brun, 47, was indicted Wednesday on felony charges of assault against a law enforcement officer and resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle.
The council member was pulled over about 2 p.m. Oct. 29 and then struck a police lieutenant with his car when he fled the scene. Brun led police on a car chase lasting about 10 minutes, authorities said.
Brun was evaluated at Wilcox Medical Center and detained until the following day, when he was released on $10,000 bond, police said.
The Waimea, Kauai, resident was first elected to the Kauai County Council in 2016 and re-elected two years later. He is chairman of the Parks and Recreation/Transportation Committee and vice chairman of the Public Safety and Human Service Committee.
“The council is currently awaiting further information in regards to the facts surrounding the arrest,” said the Kauai County Clerk’s office in a statement. “Any action to remove council member Brun from his seat as a council member will need to follow the process outlined in Kauai County Charter.”
Any councilor convicted of a felony “shall immediately forfeit the office,” according to the county charter.
