HONOLULU — Honolulu police arrested state Rep. Sharon Har for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicant after she was observed driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
HONOLULU — Honolulu police arrested state Rep. Sharon Har for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicant after she was observed driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
Police said they arrested a 52-year-old woman at 10:20 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Piikoi and Beretania streets.
The Oahu Democrat said in a statement emailed by her attorney, Howard K.K. Luke, on Tuesday that she has been taking prescription cough medicine with codeine to control symptoms of an upper respiratory illness.
She said she had a beer with dinner after a late evening at work on Monday, which together with her medication contributed to her impaired driving.
“I am extremely sorry for not anticipating the effect of this combination on my driving. I deeply apologize to my constituents, friends, family and colleagues, and to the public for this failure on my part,” she said in the statement.
Har thanked the police for being professional during her arrest and said she was grateful no one was hurt.
House Speaker Scott Saiki in a statement called the incident “unfortunate.”
“We are wishing Representative Har and her family the best right now,” he said.
Har represents Kapolei and Makakilo. She was first elected to the state House in 2006. She is also an attorney specializing in real estate, land use and construction litigation.
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Rep. Har gives a very weak and irresponsible excuse.
Patrick H Flores, Wailua Houselots
Then should they take out the parking lots at some of the Bar establishments around some Oahu districts to prevent this kind of incidents from happening in the future? Drunk driving. She was under the influence. She missed the turn. She probably made a right turn on Beretania from going up Piikoi street. That right turn is illegal because Beretania is one way street. How much is the first offence? $1000 fine and or 1 night in prison. I don’t know. Looks good. Cop!