NEW LAW TO DISCOURAGE UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRUNK DRIVING TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1

For Immediate Release: December 27, 2006

HONOLULU – A new law to crack down on underage drinking will take effect on January 1, 2007.  Act 203, also known as the “use and lose” law, will suspend the driving privileges of any person under 21 who illegally purchases, possesses or consumes alcohol.  The violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for at least 180 days.  If the individual is not licensed to drive, a judge would have the discretion to postpone eligibility to obtain a license for 180 days or until the person turns 17.  In addition, all violators will be required to perform 75 hours of community service and undergo eight to 12 hours of alcohol education and counseling.  Thirty-six other states already have some form of a use and lose law on the books. 

“The ‘use and lose’ law makes it very clear to teens that if they drink, they will lose their driver’s license and the freedom that comes with it,” said Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., who signed the law in June.

The passage of the ‘use and lose’ law this past legislative session is the result of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s commitment to work with the Legislature, law enforcement officials, schools, parents and the community to focus on underage drinking as a major underlying factor in addressing drug and alcohol abuse in Hawai`i.

“The ‘use and lose’ law serves as a reminder to children and adults that underage drinking is unsafe and unhealthy, and will not be condoned in our community.  This new law provides another tool to help keep our keiki safe and alcohol free,” the Lt. Governor added.

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For more information, contact:
Karl Espaldon
Drug Control Liaison
Phone: (808) 586-0255

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043