Police say 610 citations issued, seven arrested in sweep on Saddle

Police say they have issued 610 traffic citations and have arrested seven suspects for 13 collective offenses on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200) since Aug. 15.

According to police officers assigned to be in place for the TMT protestor blockade and encampment on Mauna Kea access road have stepped up traffic enforcement efforts on the highway, which is commonly known as Saddle Road. A police statement issued today said this in response to two traffic collisions that have occurred in the vicinity or related to the event. Police say the enforcement effort is intended to ensure the safety of the motorist and protestors alike, with the current situation of pedestrians and vehicles congregating on the roadway shoulders of a 60 mph traffic zone.

Police say that during their enforcement efforts, two tow trucks from different companies on separate dates were spotted without license plates attached and were stopped. Both trucks determined to have expired safety and weight tax. Subsequently, police had the tow trucks towed by a legal tow truck from the area.

The 610 citations were categorized as follows:

Speeding (167)

Seatbelt (41)

Child Restraint (6)

Cellular phone/Electronic device (15)

Tint (9)

Driving without a license (17)

Driving without insurance (23)

Unsafe vehicle (87)

Other moving violation (43)

No license plate (24)

Regulatory (176)

Parking (2)

The 13 arrested offenses were categorized as follows:

DUI (3)

Contempt of court (3)

Refusal to provide identification (1)

Resisting order to stop motor vehicle (1)

Excessive speeding (1)

Driving without a license (2)

Driving without insurance (2)

Police say enhanced traffic enforcement efforts will continue on Daniel K. Inouye Highway for the duration of the ongoing situation with the resulting impact of increased traffic and pedestrians.