DRUGGED-DRIVER ARRESTS RISING

More O`ahu motorists are being convicted of driving under the
influence of methamphetamine and cocaine, and police expect increased
arrests with widespread drugged-driver training.

Sixteen motorists were convicted of driving under the influence of
"ice" (crystal methamphetamine) or cocaine from Oct. 1, 1999 through
this Sept. 30, compared to three convictions the previous year, said
Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor David Sandler.

He attributed the increase to better law enforcement training and
emphasis on drugged drivers. He also said methamphetamine is becoming
more of a problem on O`ahu.

"The main thing is, more people are using ice and driving," said
Sandler, who specializes in prosecuting drugged-driver cases. "We're
finding drugs right there in the car. Pipes in the car. People maybe
smoking (ice) while driving. That's what kind of scares me."

Experts estimate there are 30,000 to 40,000 hard-core crystal
methamphetamine users in Hawai`i and have said ice is Hawai`i's
leading drug problem.

Drivers high on ice have been convicted this year after arrests
showed that they have hit parked cars as well as cars simply waiting
at a red light, Sandler said.

Police are investigating a traffic death of a 12-year-old girl
earlier this year as a homicide because the driver is suspected to
have been using ice, he said, adding that if charges are filed, it
will be the first case of its kind in Honolulu.

Sandler said he's noticed a change, with a larger percentage of
drivers being convicted for ice compared to marijuana.

"In the prior year, we saw most of our convictions involve people who
were driving under the influence of marijuana," he said. "Now we're
experiencing a decrease in the percentage of our marijuana cases, and
a significant increase in cases involving illegal stimulants,
depressants and narcotics."

This year also marked the first conviction of someone for driving
under the influence of ecstasy, Sandler said.

"A lot of kids are going down to clubs and rave parties, passing out
ecstasy, getting in cars and driving home," he said. "In that case,
the officer was very astute and recognized this."

Sandler said ecstasy users commonly fill masks with Vicks inhalant to
get more of a rush. He also said that in the ecstasy arrest, the
officer noticed a car driving erratically, pulled the motorist over,
observed the mask and "smelled Vicks," and knew what was going on.

A drugged-driving conviction results in jail or a fine as well as
license suspension and required drug treatment, Sandler said.
Insurance premiums also increase.

On O`ahu, people convicted of driving drugged ranged from age 16 to
50 years old, Sandler said.

Police have arrested more than 120 people on suspicion of drugged
driving since the implementation of the Drug Recognition Experts
(DRE) program, which started at the end of 1997, said Honolulu police
Sgt. Ryan Nishibun, the department's program coordinator.

"As more officers are trained and there's more awareness, I think the
numbers will increase," Nishibun said. "The top drugs are ice,
marijuana and painkillers like SOMA."

SOMA is classified as a depressant and commonly prescribed for back pain.

O`ahu has about 30 trained DRE officers, mostly on patrol, Nishibun
said, adding the goal is to train all patrol officers and also
specialized divisions such as detectives and SWAT officers.

Judges are now allowing drug recognition experts to testify as expert
witnesses in Honolulu courts, Sandler said.

"Laboratory tests show that when a (Drug Recognition Expert)
concludes a suspect is under the influence of drugs, the DRE is
almost always supported by the results of the blood or urine test
itself," he said.

Nishibun said people who are taking prescription medication should
check with their doctor before driving.

"They could be taking the drug legally, but if we catch them weaving
on the road and they fail the test, they'll get arrested for DUI
drugs," he said. "If the drug impairs them, they shouldn't drive."